The Perfect Match - A New Year

by Storiesinmyhead93

Summary:

Second Part of 'The perfect Match'.
The second year of Landoscar, Lestappen and all the other F1 drivers, steering through Grand Prixs, relationships, friendships, ups and downs.

It is not necessary to read the first part.

Chapter 1: Trailer/Teaser

“Hello family!” Oscar said, walking into the appartement.
“Hello mommy!” he heard Lando say back, accompanied by some baby screeching.
*#####################################*
“As I said, I’m not an engineer, I don’t know what it does wrong. It just doesn’t drive fluently, okay!”
His engineer was about to yell something back when James cut the line, telling Alex to come back to the garage.
*#####################################*
“Mr. Stroll” the man said, almost bowing.
“You have influence here.” Lawrence said.
“A little, sir, I –“
“Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking!” Lawrence thundered, stepping up to the man and grabbing his collar, pulling the way shorter man against the wall.
*#####################################*
“You know, when I was still with – “ Lewis started, then slipped and fell straight on his back. Ollie’s first reaction was wanting to laugh, but then he saw Lewis was laying in a huge pool of blood and there was a body laying just around the corner. Ollie screamed louder than he ever did before, Lewis was crawling away from the body, staring at it in shock, blood all over his body now.
*#####################################*
“You know you can talk to me at any time, right?” Seb said to Lance who was about to put his helmet back on, watching a Mercedes come back into the box.
“I know, but … if I talk about it … it all comes back up.”
*#####################################*
“I’m coming!” Ollie yelled and ran to Lando.
“Get the stuff on!” Lando hurried him to put on the new racing suits “I have an ultrasound appointment at 3 and if I miss it, Oscar is probably going to eat both of us.”
“Oh, I could totally see him do that!” Ollie laughed.
*####################################*
“Sensors are fine, how does the car feel?” Hugh asked.
“The car feels orghsla habshlke fanffna”
“Please repeat, Logan.”
“The fooo threkspala fghrrrrklashbvsla” was all he heard, then the intercom failed, a massive bang was heard at the beginning of the main straight, followed by a fireball shooting past them down the track, making them all look up.
*####################################*
“Duuh dudu du dudu duduuuh DUDUDUH!“ Yuki let out.
“Yuki, we all love you and yes, the Asian continent is called the yellow one, but you do realize you’re not a cartoon character, right?” his engineer asked during third practice.
*#####################################*
“Please turn around and place your hands on your back.” He just ordered and George did as he was told.
“George Russell” the first one said again while putting the handcuffs around his wrists “You are under arrest for grand theft, abduction, sexual assault, physical assault and the murder of Carmen Montero Mundt. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Did you understand everything I said?”
*####################################*
“Actually, I thought you wanted to go to that theme park?” Pierre asked.
“Oh, we did. It was great. Maya vomited after our third round in the Wheel of Death.” Yuki smiled.
“Sounds like fun.” Pierre said, a little confused.
*####################################*
“Wow. With your behaviour it’s no wonder George didn’t want to have anything else than a quick fuck.” Alex said when they drove up to the hotel.
*####################################*
“Exciting news from lifelong bachelor Lewis Hamilton! After a silence about his private life spanning years, finally we got some news about that. A couple of pictures uploaded on an almost unknown and very new Instagram account showing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton together with another driver. It is not known when exactly those pictures where taken, but I think it is safe to say they are doing more than just sharing a track!” the host said with a wide smile and then some pictures where displayed, showing Lewis entering the room and starting some foreplay.
*####################################*
“And what about you?” Nico asked.
“What about me?” Kimi asked, mouth already full.
“Don’t talk with a full mouth. Anybody in your life? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Anyone?”
“No, for what?”
“Everything? Cuddling, shmoozing, making kissy faces, the dirty stuff?”
“No. I can do all of that with myself.” Kimi said and Nico and Ayao just chuckled “What?”
*####################################*
“Really? I thought it would have been quite the good idea, a chef killing someone and then turning them into food!” Yuki said, Pierre looking at him a little scared.
*####################################*
“Well, you know … black guys and their … packages.”
“LANDO!”
“What?! I’m curious and it’s going to be the next question Oscar asks me.”
*####################################*
“Yuki is so different now, so … involved and driven and … grown up.” Pierre tried to explain to Kika while watching Tony more smash and wipe his banana and halved grapes over his face than eating them.
*####################################*
“GET DOWN!” the driver yelled, throwing an arm back and pulling her head down. They got shot at. What started with a single bullet soon turned into a rain, compromising the windows, spraying them with shards and bullets.
*####################################*
“Because he is my husband’s father and you are just some dude getting into my mum’s pants.” Oscar said with a smirk. Max laughed loudly.
“Wow!” Daniel said, fake offended and clutching his chest “I’m feeling deeply hurt by this! You make me feel like being no member of this family at all!”
*####################################*
“Hey, now that you are here, I have to ask you something. You said to Oscar to stay away from Malcolm, why?” Carlos asked.
“He’s not a good guy.” Logan said shortly.
*####################################*
“WHY DO YOU HAVE SEX IN THE KITCHEN?!” Kimi started yelling, rolling around on the floor in pain, holding his face.
“I thought you were already sleeping. It was so silent and the door was closed.” Nico groaned, slowly getting up from the floor, pulling on his underwear.
“It’s 7pm!” Kimi let out, pulling his hand from his face “YOU MADE ME BLEED!”
*####################################*
Liam sat in James Vowles office, his face in his hands. “Just to state it bluntly now. You want to replace a sandbag … with a crash king.”
*####################################*
“It will sound stupid.” Max said.
“I don’t think so.” Charles said, throwing his legs over Max’s lap, turning towards him, intertwining their fingers.
“I’m jealous.”
“Of what?”
*####################################*
“Well, as I started, we will start the main course and while that is in the oven –“ Max started the coffeemaker, drowning out Oscar’s voice completely.
“I’M SORRY! I DIDN’T REMEMBER IT WAS THIS LOUD!” Max yelled over the machine grounding the beans, Oscar looking at the camera exasperatedly.
“YOU KNOW, SOME OF THEM ARE FOLLOWING THIS, BECAUSE THEY ARE GETTING GUESTS LATER! WE ARE ON A SCHEDULE HERE!” Oscar yelled.
*####################################*
“If you cut people out of your life and concentrate more onto your racing, would you win?”
“Maybe … probably.” Max said, unsure.
“And what or who would you cut out?”
“I … don’t know.”
“Is there anyone or anything that you would actually want to cut out?”
“No” Max said almost instantly “But I really love racing and I really want to win.”
*####################################*
“Surprise” Nico said when coming home, lifting up Noemi and cuddling her.
“Why don’t we just open a b&b?” Egle asked when she saw Franco standing in the entrance with Kimi and Nico.
*####################################*
“Hmm? Oh, yeah, all good. Just daydreaming a little.” Logan said, giving him a quick kiss and starting to put away the groceries.
“Are you sure?” Esteban asked, watching Logan’s frantic behaviour.
“Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be?” Logan said, taking out some cleaning supplies to clean the already clean island.
*##################################*
“And now stop moping, you got an F40 as a toy at the same time.”
“Yes, I did.” Lando said with a wide and childish smile.
*##################################*
“Well, who ever said that you would have to bottom?” Lewis asked.
“Well … no one … I kind of just … assumed?”
“On what basis?”
“I don’t know, actually. I just … I don’t know.”
*##################################*
“NO!” Chloe yelled into his face “YOU WON’T LOVE ME THEN!” she yelled again and ran into her room, slamming the door.
*##################################*
“Hey, it’s Christian. Little warning, Marko is saying you’re in a deep hole … and that your ‘lack in success’ is the result of the ‘changes in your personal life’.”
“Seriously?! He’s pushing it on that?” Max asked.
*##################################*
Logan stood still frozen, hearing the other’s voice only muffled, until Max touched his shoulder. He aggressively pushed his hand away, punched him in the face and then doubled over, vomiting on the pavement.
*##################################*
“STAY CALM?! YOU LOST MY SON! NO MOTHER WOULD BE CALM!” Kika screeched.
*##################################*
“Eew, what is that?” Yuki asked.
“A ‘hot charcuterie board’ as he said. Kimi saw this amazing recipe on tiktok. Two kinds of cheese, cucumber, grapes, celery, tomatoes, sausage and crackers, heated up together in a pan.”
“Oh, Kimi, no!” Ollie slipped and a little crash and spraying water was heard from the kitchen.
“NICO!” Kimi yelled.
*##################################*
“You test it yourself?” the chef asked while Oscar filled some of the smoothie into a glass.
“Oh no, watch this … Lando! Smoothie for you!” Oscar said a little louder and with a loud laugh, accompanied by even more laughter from the audience, Lando walked up to them.
*##################################*
“I guess you don’t exactly want to ask me to do something?”
“My friend said he doesn’t wants to be responsible if something does happen.”
“I get it. Then … talking to your dad isn’t a crime. You just told me something, you didn’t ask for anything.” Lawrence said with a little smile and pulled the keyboard back towards himself.
*##################################*
“That was well played.” Agent Powell said to Agent Carter.
“Well, after that psych evaluation he would have never believed anything else. That guy is absolutely captivated by his boyfriend.”
“Let’s just hope it’s not going wrong if we’re right.”
“Yeah, that is going to be a rough one.”
*##################################*
“I’m doing good.” Max said, a little bit confused “I’m happy. I could have been a little bit luckier today, would have gotten us some points.”
“Good … as we’re talking about that … uhm … how about … you trying to make a couple more points in the next races?” Christian asked, looking a little uncomfortable.
“Are you putting me on the hot seat?” Max asked after a little silence.
*##################################*
“Your parents are on the other side of that wall!” Logan whispered.
“I’m sure they didn’t hear anything.” Esteban mumbled and Logan raised an eyebrow “They are probably already sleeping.” Esteban smiled at him, about to kiss him, when he heard a moan, which didn’t come from Logan. He stopped moving. Another moan was heard. Logan started chuckling.
“Nooooo” Esteban let out, trying to deny it.
*#################################*
“Awww, look, he rolled over!” Lando exclaimed, showing the phone to Charles.
“Aw, he looks so proud!” Kimi added.
“Well, he managed first, he can be proud of it.” Lando said.
*#################################*
“Run” the man said to him, ripping the grenade from his hands. He turned and ran, hearing a thudding noise behind him. He reached the back door when he was thrown forward, something really heavy pushing him to the floor.
*#################################*
“We need someone in there.” Agent Powell stated.
“How about him?” Agent Carter asked.
“It could work. It could. Let’s work out how this could happen.”
*#################################*
“No rain, huh?” Lando’s onboard was played.
“Well, it wasn’t bleep raining when you said it was!” Raikkonen yelled over the intercom.
*#################################*
“You’re almost like brothers. Don’t fuck it up. If you want to keep that friendship, talk, work on it, whatever, but don’t let it die. The world needs Yuki and Pierre together, alright?”
*#################################*
“You’re scared they are going to break something?” Lando asked.
“I wouldn’t be too sure, Logan is not the … it is better if he does not repair stuff.” Esteban said.
“Oh great, that means we left dumb and dumber in the kitchen alone?” Nico asked.
*#################################*
“He wakes me up and brings me to bed. He brushes my hair and makes my lunch. He brings me to school and plays games with me. He tells me if I am bad but he does not yell at me. He showed me how to ride a bike and he is nice to mommy. He is our daddy Daniel and I want to be part of his family.” Chloe explained and it was silent for a moment.
*#################################*
“STOP! I like my ears.” Nico interrupted them from the front passenger seat and they were silent. Kimi looked at Noemi and pulled a face, wiggling his head in mocking. Noemi giggled.
“Kimi! Stop teaching her bad behaviour.” Egle said from the driver’s seat.
“Uuuuh, Kimi in trouble.” Noemi said.
“Little Lady!” Egle said firmly and they entered the parking lot, the car now silent.
*#################################*
“They want me at work. Simulator work and maybe get a little time on track, although that’s not sure, yet.” Alex said with a wide smile.
“And you think that car will bring you somewhere?” Sam asked cautiously.
*#################################*
“Maybe he didn’t turn after all.” Ollie said, just before a massive hit got them. The car from earlier crashed into their right taillight, flipping them over twice and making the airbags go off.
*##################################*
“I really want to call him now.” Oscar said, wrapping his arms around himself.
“I get it, but he doesn’t want us to.” Lando said, looking at Oscar on his laptop.
“And I will respect that.” Oscar said and they heard a little gurgle “Oh, did someone hear daddy’s voice?” Oscar asked and leaned out of the frame.
*#################################*
Max saw Charles sitting on the couch in their suite, staring into nothing. He sat down next to him, pulling him in his lap, holding him close and kissing his hair.
“I didn’t sense anything. I should … as an omega, right?” Charles asked and let out a pained wail.
*##################################*
“Oh no, what did they do?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“The last time they ‘surprised’ me, they misread an advertisement and I got a drag show. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun, but it was not what they planned for ‘Danny’s 33 – double the number, double the party’ thing they had told me about.”
*##################################*
“That sheep is the love of his life.”
“Well … as long as the sheep consents.” Lando said and Oscar raised an eyebrow “That’s not how I meant it and you know that. You’re a very dirty man.”
*##################################*
“You’re seriously trying to make this a habit!” James Vowles said in fake anger “You can’t keep flying in and scooping up our talents with all your shiny energy drinks you know?!”
*##################################*
“Oh, Jesus Christ!” Daniel exclaimed, seeing Logan and Lewis collide with each other in Eau Rouge, being flung apart and hitting the barrier on each side of the turn. Red Flag.
“Lewis, are you okay?” they heard from the tv, followed by Lewis’ hard breathing.
*##################################*
“Fuck … how much did you hear?”
“Where is Alex?” he asked forcefully after closing the door.
“He is in a safe place.”
“Safe place my ass! That’s a bullshit answer and you know it! Where is he? What is going on?”
*##################################*
“Are you sure you are okay?” Lando asked during their facetime, after a little silence.
“Yes, it just … it started so great, they slept really well, we went over, they played with Chloe and Arti for a bit, everything was fine and the last thirty minutes do not hit your brother” Oscar said, the laptop pushed aside and a baby was wailing.
*##################################*
“There … was a body found at the track.” Yuki said.
“A dead one?” Tiffany asked.
“A live one wouldn’t be an issue, would it?” Maya asked, earning a disturbed look from Kika “What? I warned you I have a weird side.”

Chapter 2: Background Information

Summary:

A little backgruodn info to the characters appearing in this story.
Please note, not all the couples are in the tags to not spoil the surprise.

Updates every Sunday and Wednesday.

First, a little overview. To read this story, you do not have to read ‘The perfect Match’ (first story), although it might be helpful sometimes.
The story will be partially in canon with ‘A New World – A Carlos Sainz Story’ and the characters might visit each other.
There are 3-4 chapters that kind of overlap, I will write which one should be read first in those cases (if you are actively reading both stories, it is not needed to read the Carlos story if you don't want to, you will not miss necessary information).

McLaren – Lando Norris, alpha
McLaren – Ollie Bearman, alpha (switch from Racing Bulls, contract wasn’t extended)

Redbull – Max Verstappen, alpha
Redbull – Logan Sargeant, beta (replaced Checo Perez after he retired mid-season after an injury)

Ferrari – Charles Leclerc, omega
Ferrari – Lewis Hamilton, alpha (switch from Mercedes by his own wish)

Mercedes – George Russell, alpha
Mercedes – Esteban Ocon, alpha (switch from Alpine by his own wish)

Alpine – Pierre Gasly, alpha
Alpine – Yuki Tsunoda, alpha (switch from Racing Bulls by his own wish)

Racing Bulls – Daniel Ricciardo, alpha (switch from McLaren by his own wish)
Racing Bulls – Mick Schumacher, alpha (returns to the grid)

Aston Martin – Lance Stroll, alpha
Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso, alpha (returns to the grid, had replaced injured racers the year before)

Williams – Alexander Albon, beta
Williams – Liam Lawson, beta (replacing Logan since his change to Redbull)

Stake Kick Sauber – Valtteri Bottas, alpha
Stake Kick Sauber – Zhou Guanyu, alpha

Andretti (formerly Haas) – Nico Hulkenberg, alpha
Andretti (formerly Haas) – Kimi Antonelli, alpha (rookie)

Lando Norris: alpha, mated to Oscar, currently expecting triplets, best friend and neighbor of Max, Penelope’s godfather, current world driver’s champion
Oscar Piastri-Norris: omega, mated to Lando, pregnant with triplets, partial owner of ‘Eighty1’, a brand for organic snacks (launched in cooperation with Monster Energy)

Max Verstappen: alpha, father of Penelope, widower of Kelly, boyfriend of Charles (not public, but the grid knows), best friend of Lando, has no contact to his father
Charles Leclerc: omega, first official omega in F1 history, boyfriend of Max (not public), son of Herve (deceased) and Pascale Leclerc, older brother of Arthur

Ollie Bearman: alpha, single, son of David and Teri, replaced Nyck de Vries during the first season, now switched to McLaren because RB didn’t renew his contract
George Russell: alpha, ex-boyfriend of Alex (Alex broke up with him), one night stand of Lance, parents deceased, Toto and Suzie kind of replaced them
Lewis Hamilton: alpha, single, son of Anthony, switches to Ferrari with this season by his own wish

Esteban Ocon: alpha, boyfriend of Logan (not public, but the grid knows), son of Laurent and Sabrina, owns Khelfane Investment Group (realty and start-up investment), switched to Mercedes by his own wish (wanted a change)
Logan Sargeant: beta, boyfriend of Esteban (first boyfriend, not public, but the grid knows), currently no contact with his parents (don’t think racing is a ‘real’ career, don’t like Esteban because his parents aren’t rich, are overall really snobbish), Logan was molested by a teacher as a teenager and tried to end himself because no one believed him. He replaced Checo Perez after the Chinese GP last season (Checo retired after an injury during an accident with Pierre.

Daniel Ricciardo: alpha, boyfriend of Nicole (Oscar’s mother), ‘stepfather’ of Julia and Chloe, lives with them in Nicole’s house. Switched to RB by his own choice (thought McLaren wouldn’t extend his contract and asked at RB, who wanted him back immediately, replacing Ollie)
Pierre Gasly: alpha, mated to Kika, father of Anthoine (‘Tony’), best friend of Yuki
Yuki Tsunoda: alpha, single, best friend of Pierre, switched to Alpine after RB decided to not lengthen the contract with Ollie, even though he was the better driver, he went to Alpine to prove he deserves to be in F1, not just because of Honda

Lance Stroll: publicly alpha, secretly omega (hides it because he doesn’t want anyone to think this was the only chance for omega’s to get into F1, Sebastian, Fernando, Pascale, Arthur, Charles and Max know), son of Lawrence, his mother is deceased
Fernando Alonso: alpha, mated to Sebastian (not really a secret, but kept private), he replaced Alex and later Kevin during injuries last season, now returns full time to Aston Martin

Nico Hulkenberg: alpha, mated to Egle, father of Noemi
Kimi Antonelli: alpha, single, lives with the Hulkenbergs (his parents don’t want him to live alone, yet)

Liam Lawson: beta, replaced Logan after he switched to Redbull after the Chinese GP last year
Alex Albon: beta, ex-boyfriend of George (Alex split up with him after the Azerbaijan GP, having met Sam during rehab after a huge accident at the Monaco GP (broken wrists and leg, miscarriage)), boyfriend of Sam
Mick Schumacher: alpha, single, son of Michael and Corinna, returns to the grid
Valtteri Bottas: alpha, boyfriend of Tiffany
Zhou Guanyu: alpha, single

Others:
Nicole Piastri: omega, mother of Oscar, Julia, Chloe, ex-mate of Chris (suppressed her during their marriage), girlfriend of Daniel, works part-time in customer support for a clothing brand, works from home
Julia Piastri: 11 yrs, daughter of Nicole, sister of Oscar and Chloe, more of a cooler and analytical personality
Chloe Piastri: 5 yrs, daughter of Nicole, sister of Oscar and Julia, still in daycare at the beginning, energetic, loving, sassy
Adam Norris: alpha, mate of Cisca, father of Lando, Flo and Cissy, owner of Pure Electric
Cisca Norris: beta, mate of Adam, mother of Lando, Flo and Cissy

Pascale Leclerc: omega, mother of Charles and Arthur, girlfriend of Lawrence
Arthur Leclerc: beta or alpha, 6 years old, son of Pascale, brother of Charles, Lewis Hamilton is his hero, he started karting last summer and is doing really well
Lawrence Stroll: father of Lance, boyfriend of Pascale, business owner, owner of Aston Martin F1 Team
Kika Gomes-Gasly: omega, mated to Pierre, mother of Tony (they had tried for years until they got Tony, it is her dream to have a big family), is a model, but currently concentrates on Tony

Toto Wolf: alpha, team principal Mercedes, mate of Suzie, father of Jack, father figure to George
Suzie Wolf: beta, CEO F1 Academy, mate of Toto, mother of Jack, mother figure to George
Kimi Raikkonen: alpha, former F1 driver, mate of Minttu, father of 3 children
Sebastian Vettel: beta, Fernando’s mate, owns a farm in Austria, retired F1 driver
Laurent & Sabrina Ocon: Esteban’s parents
David & Teri Bearman: Ollie’s parents
Kevin Magnussen: alpha, former F1 driver (medical leave/retired after the Mexico GP, due to having a heart attack during the race), mate of Louise, father of Laura and Agnes
Egle Hulkenberg: omega, mate of Nico, mother of Noemi
Sam: alpha, Alex’s boyfriend, doesn’t seem to be a good person (promised someone to ‘take care of Alex’ over the phone, in exchange for money)
Maya Christney: omega, writer from England
Tiffany Cromwell: beta, Valtteri’s girlfriend, professional athlete (cycling)
Mario Andretti: new owner Andretti Formula 1 Racing Team (formerly Haas, bought it from Gene)

Also (maybe) starring:
Different team principals/team personnel, especially McLaren, Redbull, Williams, RB, Ferrari and Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (and spin-off characters)
Bill Hughes (Logan’s molester)
Isack Hadjar (F2 driver)
Franco Colapinto (F2 driver)
Theo Pourchaire (Indycar driver)
Gunther Steiner (former Haas team principal, now reporter)
Alex Dunne (F2 driver)
Jack Doohan (reserve driver)
Chris Piastri (Oscar’s father)
Other F2/F3 drivers

There will be other characters appearing, but these are the most important ones.
As you maybe read in the trailer/teaser, this story will be a little darker at times, but it will not turn into a horror story.
The storyline will be set with the race schedule of the 2024 season, as I started writing the story before the 2025 schedule was released.
There will be moments of betrayal, violence, talks about crimes (including murder, child molestation, child abduction, violence and assault, as well as emotional and spousal abuse).
Their secondary genders may present around twelve or thirteen years of age in this story, that is why Julia, Chloe, Arthur and the other racer’s kids are undetermined.
Male omegas have female genitalia.
Male betas have male genitalia.
Male alphas have male genitalia.
Females always have female genitalia.

Updates every Sunday and Wednesday.

Chapter 3: New year, new team, new Yuki

Summary:

Yuki starts working with Alpine.

Alpine started first. In the first week of January, on Thursday, they had their meeting in Enstone, going through their plans and schedules until testing in Bahrain.
Yuki had felt a little lost. He had arrived a couple days earlier, moving into his appartement the team had prepared for him. It was nice. One-bedroom, open plan, one and a half bath, it was on the ground floor with a nice terrace in the back. He had lived in England before, but not here. On Friday, he got into his new car, driving to the store with his long list. He had used almost everything up he had in Milton Keynes, not wanting to pay for overweight luggage. He got one of the carts, again swearing his height to himself. He loaded in the non-food things first before going through the milk, flour, sugar and other canned or glassed foods, as well as fresh produce. He would stay here for a while after all. He then made his way to the frozen isle, looking down and speeding past the ice creams and cakes. Sticking to the mantra Logan had told him about. You want to beat Max? You need to be healthy and train.

He didn’t make it to the very end though, getting weak and getting some single serve fruit popsicles.
“You know you can just make a smoothie and freeze it, right? It would have less sugar as well.” He turned around and saw a young woman.
“True, but if I don’t buy these now, I will buy some of the really sugary ones over there.” Yuki said, pointing behind her to the ice creams.
“Yeah, I wasn’t as strong.” She said and he saw some chocolate ice cream in her basket.
“Well, everybody needs some sweets sometimes, it won’t destroy everything if you do. I already have a chocolate bar and some crisps at home, they most likely won’t make it through the weekend, so I think that’s enough.” Yuki said, he didn’t even know why he told her.
“Maya” the blonde said, stretching her hand towards him. Honey, camomile, elderflower.
“Yuki” he said, shaking her hand. Daikon, ginger, negi onion.
“You’re that racing driver, right?” she said more silent and he nodded a little “Don’t worry, I won’t scream and take pictures and stuff.” She winked and he laughed.

“You did WHAT?” Pierre asked Yuki over the phone.
“I know it’s crazy, but please tell me I didn’t fuck up!” Yuki demanded.
“You gave your number AND address to a stranger! How can I not tell you you fucked up? Why didn’t you tell her to meet you in a café or something? This was really not one of –” Yuki heard some struggling, then Kika was on the phone.
“Yuki sweety?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“Why did you give her your number? What did she do to make you do that?” Kika asked.
“She was just really nice. We talked about ice cream and she knew who I was but then she winked and said she wouldn’t scream. Then we talked some more, I don’t even know what about and then she saw the nori sheets in my cart and I invited her. And now Pierre thinks I fucked up.” Yuki explained.
“Okay, giving her all your info just like that maybe wasn’t the smartest idea, to be true. She will most likely give either one of these info to someone or tell someone where to find it if something would happen to her. Things like that are normal, please don’t panic, especially omegas are better safe than sorry, I sent all kind of info to my mum the first months with Pierre. She will not make it public, just her sister or mum or best friend. When does she come over?”
“Tonight, oh my God, I need to start cooking.” Yuki started panicking.
“Don’t worry, you will get everything, you know how to cook. What kind of drinks do you have home?”
“Uhm, I have water and some softs, juice and wine.”
“Ok, that is perfect. Have at least three choices immediately at hand. Only one of them with alcohol.”
“What?”
“For example … keep the wine, a juice, water and coke in the door of the fridge so you can just take it out while she can see it.”
“Oh, okay, I can do that.”
“What do you have for dessert?”
“I don’t know, she will bring it. She insisted.”
“Even better, it doesn’t matter what she will bring, you try some.”
“But what if she brings those European wannabe mochis?”
“You eat it and you like it.” Kika said sternly “It doesn’t matter what she brings, you can tell her another day that you don’t like certain things.”
“I don’t really get it, but okay.”
“And Yuki?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t panic, just breath. It’s a woman, okay, not a bomb.”
“Okay. Thank you Kika. How is Tony?”
“Sleeping, finally. I’m going to sleep now, too.”
“Oh, yes, you do that. Is Pierre still there?”
“Well, he’s asleep.” Kika said and Yuki laughed “You guys take care of yourselves, okay?”
“Only if you promise to text after your date.”

Yuki hung up and started cooking the rice first, dicing the vegetables, salmon and tuna. It took him a little longer than expected, but he managed to change his t-shirt into a button down before the doorbell rang.
“Hi” Maya said, holding a covered plate.
“Hey” Yuki answered, standing still for a moment “Oh, right, yes, come in, please.” He stepped aside and let her in. Maya took off her shoes and they made their way into the appartement.
“So, I brought lemon cheesecake with a peach topping, I know it’s more of a summer thing, but I wasn’t in the mood for cinnamon or something heartier, it also didn’t seem right together with sushi.”
“Oh, that’s great, should I put it in the fridge?”
“That would be good, I think.”
“Okay” he said and she handed him the cake “What would you like to drink? Well, if you want to drink something, that is.”
“Well, normally you drink white wine with sushi or sake, I think, but I don’t handle alcohol very well and I don’t really want to get drunk while getting to know you.” She said and let out a nervous laugh.
“Well, I do have water, orange juice, apple, coke, other sodas … oh wait, I’ve got rhubarb juice, we could mix it with lemon soda, it would be like sparkling wine, just … different and without wine?” he finished a little bit confused. Maya agreed. Yuki made them their drinks, deciding to also drink the rhubarb sparkle, as they decided to call it and Maya brought the glasses to the table while Yuki brought the sushi plates. He quickly explained the kinds of sushi he made before they started eating and talking.

“You didn’t text how it went!” Kika said accusingly.
“Oh, right. It got late and then I just didn’t think about it.” Yuki said sleepily.
“So? How did it go?”
“It was really good. We talked a lot, we ate almost everything. We drank rhubarb juice with soda. She said she can’t really handle alcohol. She doesn’t have a family and writes books. She lives here in an old Priester’s home. She has a little dog, a mini-poodle. She showed me a picture, he looks really cute, cream coloured and dark eyes, his name is Boot.”
“Her dogs name is Boot?”
“Yes, apparently she was still at college when she got him as a gift from her friends and he liked to sleep in her boots, he’s too big for her boots now, so he sleeps in a little nest next to hers.”
“So, she really is an omega?”
“Yes, she is. She smells like honey and … like … camomile? You know, the smell of something really nice.”
“Aww, Yuki likes someone, but you said she doesn’t have a family?”
“Yes, she apparently was found in front of a hospital, her parents had written a letter that they weren’t able to take care of her. She then grew up in an orphanage and later in a foster family, but she said they weren’t really nice people, she doesn’t talk to them anymore.”
“Oh, okay.”
“But she says she is really happy. She does what she loves and met a lot of nice people in college. She’s really smart, she went to Cambridge.”
“Cambridge?!” Kika asked loudly “Wow, Yuki, don’t let her go if you really like her, that lady sounds like a catch. How old is she, by the way?”
“She’s 23, so a year younger than me.” Yuki told her and a bell rang “Oh, that’s my alarm, I’ve got to go, my trainer will be waiting.”
“You’re going to train now?” Kika asked, looking on the clock. 5.45am.
“Yes, we meet at six. Not everybody is looking like Pierre naturally. Bye, Kika!”
“Bye Yuki!” Kika laughed and got up from the couch, climbing back into the nest.

Chapter 4: New Year, new things

Summary:

Mick returns to the grid, Landoscar have an appointment, the grid finds out about Carlos' new career and testing begins.

P.S.: Nasfinity has some relation to NASCAR, but is completely nade up by me, similarities to other racing series are coincidental.

He still didn’t understand how they managed to keep it a secret this long. Both of them. Two rookies in the new season. Well, was he really a rookie? No, he wasn’t. He was someone who had the chance and messed it up. You can only call the car responsible a couple of times. He didn’t have it under control. Too eager. Too reckless. Trying too hard to prove himself and messing it up on the way. Now he had a second chance. ‘New on the grid: Mick Schumacher and Kimi Antonelli’ that was the headline. A four-page article, two pages for each of them. Kimi, the young, innocent looking newbie, Toto’s new protegee, the real rookie for Andretti. Then him. Returning against all odds. Public opinion was split. Did he deserve a second chance? Did RB have too much money to blow out for repairs? Was it the name? He deserved a second chance. But why him? Why take Mick and not keep Ollie? Or get Dennis, Theo, Kush, Zak, Gabriel, or any of the others from F2. He can’t really answer that question. He asked what he needed to do. They told him what to do to get a chance. He did it. He got in. He will be driving for RB, next to Daniel Ricciardo. They haven’t really been friends or even got close to one another during his two years in F1, but he knew what Daniel was capable of. How good he could drive.
Kimi will start for Haas – no, it's Andretti now, next to Nico Hülkenberg. Years of experience in F1. Le Mans winner. Record holder for most starts without a podium. Maybe he would be able to finally get one this year. He would definitely cheer for Nico.
Laurent Mekies would be his new team principal. He didn’t know how long he had stood in front of the building in Faenza, but at some point, he felt a hard slap on his shoulder and Daniel showed up next to him.
“How long have you been standing here?” Daniel asked with his signature smile.
“I don’t know.” Mick said and Daniel laughed loudly.
“Come on, let’s get in.” Daniel said and they went inside.

“But why?” Ollie asked, scraping his foot along the little step to the water around the MTC, by now it was the beginning of February.
“I don’t know.” Zak said “They held up three pictures, asked me which one I liked most, the others voted for this as well and they built it.”
“But why the water?” Ollie asked.
“Again – I don’t know.”
“Does it freeze? I mean, could we ice skate on it?” Ollie asked, a little excitement in his tone.
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen it frozen.” Zak said.
“OLLIE!” Lando scared them, screaming out of the door “GET IN HERE! THE PHOTOSHOOT ALREADY STARTED AND I DON’T WANT IT TO GO THE WHOLE DAY!”
“I’m coming!” Ollie yelled and ran to Lando.
“Get the stuff on!” Lando hurried him to put on the new racing suits “I have an ultrasound appointment at 3 and if I miss it, Oscar is probably going to eat both of us.”
“Oh, I could totally see him do that!” Ollie laughed.
“We can all see him do that. My mum made a lasagna for all of us the other day, my dad and I got bread because Oscar had eaten most of it before we made it to the kitchen.”
“Yeah, I mean, one pup makes you eat more, but three pups? Jeez, I still don’t know how his body can even do that.”
“It’s a miracle.” Lando said with a smile.
“Turn left Lando and make it more of a smirk.” The photographer said to them and they changed their positions a little bit. They had tried around a lot the day before as well, Ollie being taller than Lando, but Lando being more muscled than him. They had a lot of fun, even if it was work. Lando had to hurry a little to make it to the appointment on time, Oscar was just called to come into the doctor’s office from the waiting room when Lando stormed in, scaring everyone else. Cisca just gave him a warning look, sitting back down in the chair.
“And there we have your baby girl” the doctor started, moving the ultrasound wand over Oscar’s stomach “and the rough crowd.” She said with a smile, making Lando and Oscar laugh as well. Their boys were huddled together, but their hands and legs spread and placed in a way they looked more like they were on a rave than in a womb.
“Our three papayas.” Oscar said dreamily.
“Yeah, our three papayas.” Lando said, kissing Oscar’s hair “I love you”

“NASCAR?” Esteban asked, laying on the couch in Logan’s appartement in Monaco.
“Why not? Did you ever see it?” Logan asked.
“No?!”
“Come on, it already started, and it’s NASCAR Infinity, or Nasfinity, as people call it. Come on, it’s the first race of the season.” Logan said, searching the channel and starting the stream. They watched for a bit, sitting back on the couch until Logan suddenly threw himself on the floor in front of the tv, almost squeezing his nose against it.
“Is that considered normal behaviour during Nasfinity races?” Esteban asked.
“Look there, the third pit! Doesn’t it say Carlos Sainz?” Logan asked, trying to catch it on the screen, but the camera moved too quickly, following the cars. Esteban sat down next to him, also looking on the screen. Carlos Sainz 55 Anderson Motorsports was then blended in on the screen, together with a little picture of Carlos, following his car on the track. Logan quickly pulled out his phone and started to tape it for a bit before sending it into the driver’s whatsapp group, asking if anybody knew. Less than five minutes later, Lando, Oscar, Ollie, Max, Penelope, Charles, Mick and Daniel were there and watching the race while Logan tried to answer as many questions as possible about the racing style. Carlos was currently 27th of 35.
“How did you get here, anyway?” Lando asked Mick.
“Oh, well” Mick chuckled “Daniel asked if I wanted to come and now I’m helping Ollie putting up the furniture.”
“And Daniel?” Oscar asked.
“Was about to go to Nicole.”
“Oh shit, right, I’ve got to go.” Daniel said, jumping up and running out.
“Why?” Max asked.
“Teaching Chloe how to ride a bike without training wheels.” Mick said casually.
“No daddy duty at all.” Max said sarcastically.
“But why did they take him?” Ollie asked, sitting closest to the screen on the floor, next to Logan.
“Probably no other choice. As cruel as that sounds. Carlos was looking for a team for months, management for months, whatever, nobody would take him. Nine days ago, Anderson’s driver quit. They are the worst team on the grid. They are losing sponsors and investors pretty much every week, they didn’t win in, I don’t even know, forever, they have barely any money. Wouldn’t surprise me if they pay him in fast food coupons.”

 

“Why is it so warm, here?” Oscar complained on the couch in Bahrain. Testing is starting today. The cars on the track for the first time.
“Because it’s the middle east, hun. And you’re pregnant, so everything feels more exhausting anyway.” Cisca tried to calm him, handing him some water.
“I’ve never been so glad about air conditioning.” Oscar moaned “Just two months, it’s just two more months.” He heard the bell ring. “Oh, Kika is coming.”
“Just stay there, I’ll let her in.”
“How is he feeling today?” Kika asked after greeting and entering.
“Well, alright, I guess.” Cisca said. Kika walked into the living area, wearing a long, light summer dress, little Tony in his carrier on her chest. Oscar was laying on his side, wearing a t-shirt and short sweatpants.
“Hey” Oscar moaned more than said “How are you doing?”
“Better than you” Kika said, unstrapping the carrier and holding Tony to her chest while sitting down.
“Everybody feels better than me. Why did I let him touch me?” Oscar whined and Kika chuckled.
“Because we love each other and trust me … you will be very happy and you will think that all of this is worth it.”
“What do you know? You had one teeny, tiny, little pup to carry and bounced back immediately because you’re a fucking beautiful model.”
“Well, my husband is nice to me and doesn’t try to be an overachiever.” Kika said.
“I’m sorry. I know I’m grumpy and rude and … I’m a terrible friend. Is Tony sleeping?”
“Not really. He’s in and out. The heat tires him out as well.” Kika cooed a little.
They watched the testing days, as always, they went different than expected for each team.

“There is purposing, but it’s not overly uncomfortable, could be better though.” Yuki said. “What irritates me more is the turning point.”
“The turning point?” the engineer asked confused.
“Yes. I’m sorry, I don’t really know how to explain it, I’ll describe in the pit.”
“Alright, we’ll do another ten laps and then take you in.”
“Copy” Yuki said, staying on the track and getting a couple more laps.
“Come in now, come in now, testing red flagged.” He heard after six laps.
“Why? What – oh shit.” He said, passing by a smoking Andretti. Everything was fine in the end. Nobody was injured and Yuki stood in the garage with the engineers, explaining on a toy car and with hands waving what he meant on the radio.

Chapter 5: Testing, testing, testing

Summary:

The teams testing their cars, getting more or less good results. New team members, driver changes and comebacks are announced.

McLaren didn’t announce it. They just let him walk in the garage in a McLaren shirt like it was a normal day. Adrian Newey was back with them. Zak had done it. Lando and Ollie had no idea how, but he did it. They had worked with him over the break already, talking about the car, the changes, or in Ollie’s case, the new car.
Lando was a little hesitant at first, not sure how Adrian would react to the way of working Andrea had started, voicing their opinions, discussing strategies, changes, improvements.
Lando also had to say goodbye to his race engineer, Will. He had decided to spend more time with his family, which Lando also respected. Instead, Kimi Raikkonen signed in his place. Lando was surprised at first, especially with Kimi and his wife now having three children, but Minttu was supportive of Kimi’s new job, saying he was starting to climb up the walls and driving her crazy.
Minttu and the girls were also accompanying them in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia before travelling back to Monaco. Robin, the oldest, was already in school, his grandmother staying with him in Monaco.
“It’s … smooth.” Ollie stated a couple laps in, after their third adjustment.
“You sound surprised.” His engineer said.
“Yes, it’s … I don’t think it’s normal this early into testing.” Ollie said and heard laughing “I’m sorry, I’m just used to much more purposing.”
“It’s okay, just keep driving for now, speed up gradually.” He heard and kept driving. Lando was on a different testing strategy, speeding past him.

“I don’t know, it just … it feels like its missing some speed.” Lando said and Kimi Raikkonen and Adrian stood next to one another in the garage, looking over the data.
“Okay Lando, you are doing good at speed, there is nothing wrong with it, do three push laps.” Kimi said and Lando followed the instructions before pitting. He was pushed back into the garage and got out of the car, walking over to Kimi and Adrian.
“Okay Lando, what’s your problem with the car?” Adrian asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Just answer the question, please.” Kimi tuned in.
“It just feels … I don’t know … too fluent? Too easy to weave and speed up? I think we miss some speed, we could be way faster.” Lando said and Adrian pointed on the screens. “Oh”
“Yep. You want to speed it up?” Adrian asked with a little smirk and Kimi looked at him.
“You can speed it up?” Lando asked.
“There is something I can do, give me an hour. Eat something.” Adrian said, sliding on his tablet and walking over to the mechanics. Lando looked at Kimi, who just shrugged.
“You coming to eat something?” Lando asked and Kimi agreed. They got some food at the hospitality before Lando called Oscar for a couple of minutes while eating. They went back to the garage and saw that the track was almost empty. Lunchtime.
“Are you ready?” Adrian asked.
“How much faster will it be?”
“Champion worthy fast.” Adrian said “Feel the car first. Don’t floor it right away. Get five warm-up laps, then push.” He said and Kimi nodded, putting on his headset. Lando went out on the track, getting some warm-up. Feeling the car. As Adrian had called it. He felt the car move quicker. It turned easier and felt gentle, almost fragile.
“Damn” Lando let out when he was asked how it felt.
“Then let’s get some hard tires and a long run.” Kimi said and they did a thirty-lap stint. Kimi and him made a couple of codes for themselves, them and Adrian agreeing they shouldn’t show all of their cards from the beginning. Ollie also got familiar with the car, feeling the difference much more than Lando.

It felt weird. The garage without Adrian. Adrian had always been there. Now he wasn’t. He was with the new champion. The current champion. Christian had told him that the deal had already been made in Japan last season, and he had known that Adrian wouldn’t be with them anymore, but it still felt weird.
“Are you okay?” Helmut asked Max.
“Yeah, it’s just … it’s a new season, a lot of changes.” Max said, looking at his car, now again having number 33.
“Do you know if Lando will take on the number one?”
“He will not. He’ll keep the 4. He says he loves the number more.” Max said and Helmut laughed a little.
Logan got pushed back into the garage and hopped out, saluting to them before walking over to his engineer, asking something while drinking some water.

“No more pink.” Esteban said with a smile, looking at the car. Toto next to him chuckled and George smiled.
“Well, get into the car boys.” Toto said, slapping their shoulders and making his way to his chair.
“Are you okay?” Esteban asked George, who just looked expressionless. Again.
“Of course. There is no reason not to be.” George smiled a smile that didn’t really reach his eyes.
They started their testing, which went well. Esteban started to get used to the car, a lot lighter than last year’s Alpine. A lot easier to handle, good grip. Some purposing.

“What is that?” Nico asked, watching his new team mate, Kimi Antonelli.
“It’s an app that tracks my success curve.”
“Huh?”
“Well, it’s mostly for the 'around stuff'. It pulls the info from my health app for the food, I put in my exercises and my bloodwork results and all the stuff from my doctors, bodyfat, etcetera. It includes some like … stickers I put on my body during workouts and it also goes in here, it tells me where I’m weak and what I can do to make me stronger.”
“Can you send me that app?” Nico asked after watching a little. “And I need you to tell me how to set it up.” He added and Kimi laughed.
“Will do.” Kimi said and they got into their cars soon later.
It did feel different. That was something Nico realized immediately. Somebody invested in this car. It was nothing like the Haas from last year. Not just the name was new. The car was completely new. It felt better. Easier. Less resistant.
They sat in the house Nico and Egle rented for the time of testing and the Bahrain race, Kimi just ending the facetime with his parents. The weren’t able to accompany him for the whole time of testing, having to work themselves, so they asked Nico and Egle to take him with them and they agreed. Their daughter Noemi had already started calling him her big brother. The set up the app on Nico’s phone and started feeding it with data.

Charles learned a lot from Lewis. He had a lot of experience, that was undeniable, but they somehow didn’t get warm with each other. Their testing went great. They only had a little purposing, which Lewis loved immensely.

“Wooooohooooo! YES! This is LIFE, baby! Ringdingadingding!” Fernando yelled, speeding down the track and making everyone in the garage laugh.
“You know you can talk to me at any time, right?” Seb said to Lance who was about to put his helmet back on, watching a Mercedes come back into the box.
“I know, but … if I talk about it … it all comes back up.”
“Pushing stuff aside is not always good.” Seb intervened.
“It is not just pushed aside. It’s done, worked out and locked away as a great memory in a beautiful box.” Lance said to him and put on his helmet before getting in the car.

“It has some purposing and it feels like there is a lot of weight in the back, it feels … you know … clunky. Is that understandable?” Liam asked over the intercom.
“I think so, yes, get to box for clarification.” His engineer said after an okay from James Vowles.
“Alex, how is it going?” the other race engineer asked.
“Not good.” Alex said grumpily.
“Any … input?” his engineer asked after a little silence.
“I’m not an engineer. I just know this is terrible to drive.” Alex said and his engineer clicked his pen aggressively.
“Okay, can you give us an indication about what is terrible? What don’t you like about it?”
“It’s just … not good to drive and it moves terrible.”
“It moves terrible?” the engineer screeched.
“As I said, I’m not an engineer, I don’t know what it does wrong. It just doesn’t drive fluently, okay!”
His engineer was about to yell something back when James cut the line, telling Alex to come back to the garage.
James walked over to the Mercedes garage, waving at Toto from the outside.
“What’s up?” Toto asked, stepping next to him.
“I need to ask George something.” James simply stated and Toto waved George over.
“Hi, quick thing. Did you talk to Alex recently?” James asked George.
“No, we are … estranged at the moment. The last time I talked to him was at the final last season.”
“Do you know who his friends are right now?”
“Uuuhm, Oscar maybe? They were good last year, but Oscar said they got distant during the break.”
“Did you see him fight with anyone?” James asked.
“No, I didn’t see him at all.”
“Hm. Okay, thank you George. And feel free to tell Toto what we talked about, I don’t like the way he looks at me now.” James said before leaving.

Chapter 6: Sakhir GP - Part 1

Summary:

The first part of the Sakhir GP weekend, including some Landoscar and Esteban/Logan.

P.S. How AMAZING is that?! 3 wins in a row! And we finally got to see Oscar dance!

“Oh, yes, that feels good.” Oscar said, laying in their nest, Lando behind him, massaging his back while he laid on his side.
“You feeling better?” Lando asked softly.
“Yes. You know, it’s okay laying down, but as soon as I stand up or walk … my hips, my back, everything hurts.”
“It’s going to be better soon.” Lando said, kissing Oscar’s shoulder and Oscar let out a moan. “Really?”
“Hey, I’m still a person with needs, you know?” Oscar said, turning his head and kissing Lando.
“You’re sure you’re up to that?” Lando asked.
“Yes” Oscar answered, letting Lando kiss his neck while pulling off his pants. Lando took off his own pants, pulling the pillow further under Oscar’s head, who had an arm thrown back, fingers in Lando’s hair. He pulled his legs up while Lando pushed himself up against his back, kissing him again. He slid his hand down, taking his length in his hand and stroking a couple of times before lining himself up with Oscar, pushing in slowly. Oscar moaned into his mouth, feeling him enter him completely.
“How do you want me?” Lando asked.
“Quick” Oscar said and Lando chuckled, pulling a pillow under Oscar belly and pulling his upper leg on it, giving Lando more space. He moved slowly a couple of times, testing if the position worked before speeding up, letting his hips slap against Oscar’s behind quickly. He had one hand on Oscar’s hip, holding him in place, they were kissing and moaning into each other’s mouths until Oscar moved his face into the pillow, almost screaming into it. Lando sped up his thrusts, making Oscar bite the pillow and scream into it. He felt his husband starting to contract around him, his orgasm approaching quickly. Oscar came just a minute later, Lando carrying him through his orgasm before releasing himself, pulling Oscar close against his chest. They laid together afterwards until Oscar started giggling. “We woke our girl” Lando slid a hand to the upper part of Oscar’s stomach, feeling their daughter move under his hand.
”Aww, poor girl.” Lando said, not really sorry “Our boys didn’t bother, did they?” he then slid his hand lower, not feeling any movement.
“No. They are either chilling their life or sleeping.”
“Chilling their life?” Lando asked, carefully sliding out.
“Well, they are in a bubble, pretty much floating around, being fed, nobody bothers them with stupid questions, they are happily chilling their life.” Oscar said and Lando laughed.
“Yeah, let them chill. Life will be hard enough soon. I mean, they will have to actually suck to get fed.” Lando said and they laughed before really settling down, falling asleep soon, Lando’s hand on Oscar’s stomach.

Esteban sat on the bed, Logan on his lap, slowly sliding down, letting his member enter him. Logan’s eyes fluttered closed, feeling Esteban slide deeper until he was completely settled. Esteban slung his arms around Logan, holding him close. Logan started riding him, their faces close together, breathing each other in. Logan started bouncing after a while, speeding up the pace, surprising Esteban.
“You need to … you need to take over, I … can’t” Logan tried to talk, his breath heavy. Esteban lent forwards, placing them down on the mattress, hovering above Logan. He grabbed one of his hands, crossing their fingers, placing it on the mattress. Esteban pulled back, starting a good rhythm before speeding up slowly.
“Tell me if it’s too much” he told Logan, who let out a moan and nodded. Esteban sped up a little more, moving his free hand to Logan’s hip, holding him softly. Logan looked up at Esteban. The man that let him be who he was. Who loved him with all of his difficulties. Their first time in the chalet was a revelation to Logan. Like a new dawn or a new awakening. He never thought he could feel like this. Feel this good. That he could feel this good together with someone else. Esteban hit his spot and Logan moaned loudly, his hand going down and grabbing Esteban’s butt, pulling him closer. Esteban sped up some more, letting his hand go from Logan’s. He grabbed Logan’s thigh, pulling it up and holding it. He placed his elbow above Logan’s shoulder, burying his hand in his hair. He kissed him sloppily, not stopping his rhythm. Logan was about to come. His walls were contracting around him, squeezing and releasing him. Logan moaned loudly and dug his nails into Esteban’s behind, making him hiss. Logan came a minute later, Esteban following only a couple seconds behind. Esteban sank down on him, kissing him deeply for a bit before pulling back, pulling Logan’s lip in between his teeth.
“Are you feeling good?” Esteban asked.
“Yeah, yeah I am. Are you?” Logan asked.
“Oh, yes, I am, Cherie.” Esteban said and kissed him “I’m pulling out, okay?” he said and Logan nodded. Esteban got rid of the condom and cleaned them both up with a washcloth before laying down with him.

The first race weekend. Sakhir, Bahrain. Half of the grid was close to a mental break down. Most of their families were there. Sabrina and Laurent came to watch, as did Pascal and Arthur, Nicole, Julia and Chloe. Kevin and Checo were there as guests for Andretti and Redbull.
The first training was mostly uneventful. A little bit of sliding into gravel here and there, but the timed laps turned out to be very tight together. The same in the second training. Qualifying was the same, but different. The light was barely green and the Andrettis and Astons were on the grid, setting up good laps, as did the others. What wondered a lot was the time difference between the Williams cars. Liam almost 2 seconds quicker than Alex. Red Flag.

“I’m so sorry, guys, I really wanted to nail this.” Kimi said.
“It’s okay, take a breath. Can you get the car back to the pit?”
“Yes” Kimi said and started driving, although slowly. He had drifted out of a turn and slammed sideways into the tec-pro. Front wing and the tires of course. “I’m so sorry” Kimi said again after being pushed into the Andretti garage.
“Hey, boy.” Mario Andretti said, putting his hands on his shoulders and looking him in the eyes. “It’s an accident. Accidents happen. This accident happened. We will not be able to change that. Now, what was the mistake you will have to avoid in the future?”
“Getting into the corner to fast and then oversteer.”
“What would be better if you go into a corner to fast?”
“Roll out in the gravel, take a detour, enter the track safely, not impeding others.”
“All correct, everything good.” Mario said with a smile. “I trust in you that that wasn’t just talk. Now, we’ll let the team work on the car. Tomorrow is a new day. A race. A chance to nail it. Alright, let’s go sit down on the wall.” Mario said and they went over to the engineers outside of the pit lane.

Schumacher, Bottas, Antonelli, Zhou and Albon in 20th were out first.
“Damn” Mick said, hitting his fist on his thigh.
“Tomorrow is the race, tomorrow are the points.” His engineer said.
“Yeah, still. I could have had it with a tighter turn 5.”
Tsunoda, Lawson, Alonso, Gasly and Ricciardo in 15th ended the second round.
Third round was massive. McLaren waited until they drove out, Lando first, Ollie a couple seconds behind. Max was on provisional pole, leading with more than half a second. When Lando left the pit lane, he saw Max being pushed in the garage. Apparently, they wouldn’t drive again. Logan was still out. Lando and Ollie did what they planned. They sped up and started their fast lap. Faster than the others. Redbull almost lost their eyes.
Norris got pole. Followed by Ocon, Bearman, Sargeant and Russell. Who all had managed to squeeze in front of Verstappen in 6th, who had Hamilton, Leclerc, Stroll and Hulkenberg behind him.

The lights were out and they sped off.
“Alright” Lando heard Kimi on the intercom at the end of the first lap “It’s Ocon, Sargeant, Bearman and Russell behind, gap to Ocon 1.1, no DRS well done and keep going.”
“Okay Max, we’ve got Hamilton .8 in front, Leclerc, Stroll, Tsunoda behind. Gap to Leclerc .6.”
“Copy” Max said back.
“Yuki you’re in 11th, Stroll 1.4 in front, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Gasly and Ricciardo behind.”
“Understood” Yuki answered.
“Great start, you’re 16th, Ricciardo .7 in front, behind are Schumacher, Zhou, Bottas and Albon. You’ve got DRS.” Antonelli heard from his engineer.
The cameraman swung over to the garages, filming Oscar sitting down on a chair, his feet lifted on another while Zak brought him something to eat and drink.

He heard a big bang and the pressure dropped. He saw smoke going into the air.
“Something broke” Max stated simply.
“Yes, stop the car as soon as possible and exit the car, you’re on fire.” GP said calmly but quickly.
“Yellow flag, safety car, slow down.” Lando heard when he came onto the main straight.
“Oh, what happened?” he asked.
“Verstappen’s car broke down past turn 12, stay on the right side of the track. There are no injuries.” Kimi said in his usual calm voice.
“Okay, good.” Lando said but was a little shocked when he passed Max, standing on the gravel, some distance from his car, now engulfed in flames.
“Oh my God, what happened?” Logan asked.
“Engine failure, he’s out of the car.” Hugh told him.
“Okay, that’s good.” Logan said.
“Wow, that doesn’t look good.” Esteban said.
“Engine failure, just gave a big bang and there he is.” His engineer stated.
“Well, he’s out, that’s important. Out of the car, I mean.”

The restart followed a couple laps later, after the fire was out and the car got towed.
“I think Sargeant is on fire” Ollie set of a call to his engineer.
“We’ll forward it.”
“Oh, he’s definitely on fire, there are flames coming out of the back.” Ollie said a couple seconds later, now on their way down the long straight to turn 14.
“I feel warm, more warm than normal, is everything okay?” Logan asked.
“Sensors are fine, how does the car feel?” Hugh asked.
“The car feels orghsla habshlke fanffna”
“Please repeat, Logan.”
“The fooo threkspala fghrrrrklashbvsla” was all Hugh heard, then the intercom failed, a massive bang was heard at the beginning of the main straight, followed by a fireball shooting past them down the track, making them all look up.

Chapter 7: Sakhir GP - Part 2

Summary:

THe rest of the Sakhir GP, as well as a little get together.

Logan felt warming up. More than usual.
“I feel warm, more warm than normal, is everything okay?” he asked, speeding down the long straight, flooring the gas pedal.
“Sensors are fine, how does the car feel?” Hugh asked.
“The car feels fine, it’s just the temperature.” Logan answered, the heat not getting less, he didn’t see any flames or smoke, though. He also didn’t smell anything.
“Plfrsh djfaoin lafsfwen.” He heard Hugh say.
“I didn’t understand a single thing you were saying.” Logan said and took turn 14, speeding up and through turn 15, onto the main straight. He floored the pedal again and a massive bang was heard, deafening him. He took off. Literally. He was blown out of the car, lifted out of a yellow, red and black bubble, flew and tumbled around before being caught and stopped by something.

He was still in his seat, steering wheel in his hands. Just after he was stopped, a car hit the tec-pro almost underneath him. A McLaren. Oliver. He was waving his hands frantically and seemed to be yelling. Logan’s ears were still ringing and he saw the red flag being waved. He didn’t dare to move. The people on the grand stands made their way over to them, waving and probably yelling. He was on the fence. A forklift drove up to them, a flat pallet on the forks, covered by some canvas. Ollie was now out of the car, but refused to leave. The forklift stopped underneath him and two marshalls climbed on the pallet, being lifted up towards him. They took the steering wheel from him and made sure the pallet was underneath him before cutting the belts off. He almost fell onto the pallet, crawling further back and just sitting there, trying to get a breath. They got his seat off the fence and then got him down, getting him into the medical car. He was still deaf. Ollie was there, asking him something, but he just pointed at his ears.

They brought him to the track side emergency station, but weren’t able do a lot there. A couple of minutes after they brought him there, Sabrina ran in, almost smashing herself onto Logan, hugging him tightly. She accompanied him to the hospital, his ears still ringing. They told, or better wrote, to him that it was most likely just the huge explosion causing his eardrums to shut down to protect themselves. One of those weird bodily things nobody can really explain. The most important thing was, that the doctors didn’t find any indication of permanent damage. Sabrina had texted Esteban’s engineer as soon as she found out and he gave the good news to Esteban, in a covered code. Sabrina guided him back to the track and to his garage.
The doctors had said it would take about three to four hours until he would be able to start hearing again. The good thing was, that he was able to skip media duty. After a while he felt quite stupid, standing at the side and looking around, not really sure what was going on. Max walked up to him from behind, slapping his shoulder to get his attention. Logan turned around and saw Max pointing at his own ears and holding a thumb up. Logan tipped on his watch and then held a thumb up himself before shrugging. Max laughed and lifted his hand, making a drinking motion. Logan nodded and they made their way into their hospitality, getting something to drink before sitting down and watching the rest of the race.

Lando was still leading with a ten second lead in front of Esteban, Charles, George and Lewis not far behind. Lando also ended up winning, Esteban second and after a tight fight over the last laps, George ended up in third, followed by Charles, Lewis, Yuki, Lance, Liam, Nico and Daniel.

“This was more exhausting than I thought it would be.” Kimi said in their after race meeting.
“You’ll get used to it.” Nico calmed him and Kimi huffed, closing his eyes and leaning his head back.
“Ohohoh, not yet, kid.” Mario said, walking in and taking a seat, making Kimi reopen his eyes “This was a good race, both of you. A good start to a great season, I dare to say. We have to work on our pit-stops, we lost a little there and from my position it looked like we could work on the downforce, any addition?”
“I liked the grip of the mediums more than the hard. I know we have to change the tires to a different kind, it’s just … they lacked grip for me.” Kimi said.
“Yeah, actually I thought they were okay for me, but they felt vastly different on the track, maybe that’s why you didn’t like them so much … they uhm … they stop the car more than they speed it up? I think? I’m not really sure how to explain it.” Nico added.
“We’ll have a look at it.” The head engineer said, writing down what they said.

“Lando, great job!” Andrea said “Ollie, maybe a little less getting surprised by flying racers.” He added with a smirk, Ollie looking down “It was a great race until then, keep that part going. Although I hope that Redbull doesn’t repeat their … exit seats anytime soon.” Andrea made them all laugh.

“So, uhm, yeah” Christian started in the silent room and took a little break “Uhm, I guess it’s clear to us that this didn’t go as anyone wished or thought. Our team is still working on finding out why exactly things happened this way. For now, they are concentrating on the engine for obvious reasons.”
“Oh” Logan let out, startling them “Can I sit next to you, I think my ears are starting to work again.” He said quite loudly to Christian and changed seats.
“Well” Christian continued “How did the cars feel before they, well … blew up.”
“For me it felt good, there is more weight in the back than last year, but I actually kind of like that!” Logan almost yelled at Christian, letting Max laugh.
“I agree with him.” Max said.
“What?” Logan yelled at him.
“I AGREE WITH YOU!” Max yelled back, still laughing.

Max and Logan drove back to the house Lando and Oscar had rented for their stay here, seeing the firepit in the back already on. They went right around the house, seeing Lando, Oscar with his feet in Lando’s lap, Ollie, Pierre, Kika, Yuki, George and Esteban already sitting there. Logan got under a blanket with Esteban right away, Max sitting down with George.
“You alright?” he asked him, realizing he was caught up in his own mind again.
“Yeah, all good.” George said, looking at him for a second and smiling.
“You sure?” Max asked.
“Yeah, I am.”
“So, when do we meet her?” Kika asked Yuki “The mystery lady.”
“Don’t you have a baby to watch or something?” Yuki asked.
“I am” Kika said, holding up the baby monitor, showing Tony in his baby nest “I’m multi-tasking.”
“She’ll be in Australia.” Yuki said “And she’s not a mystery woman, you know almost as much about her as I do.”
“What? You’ve been keeping secrets from me?” Kika asked, faking shock.
“There are things a gentleman doesn’t talk about.” Yuki said.
“Since when are you a gentleman?” Ollie asked with a laugh.
“Shut up, greenhorn. You still need to learn how to drive while getting surprised.” Yuki said to him.
“Ooooh, Yuki is getting agitated.” Pierre sing-sang.
“I’m not agitated. I’m tres gentil.” Yuki said, making Oscar laugh.
“You’re mocking my French now?”
“Aww, don’t I get a nickname?” Oscar asked.
“Don’t mock my French, bumblebee.” Yuki said with a smirk and Oscar smiled back, holding a thumbs up.
“She’s an author, isn’t she?” George asked.
“Yeah, she writes crime novels, they are amazing. She’s at a convention this weekend and another one next week, that’s why she is only joining for Australia, but she watched the race.” Yuki said.
“Which books did she write?” George asked.
“Uhm, Birmingham Butchers is written by her and Knucklehead Knockers. They are her first ones at the moment, but next week she releases a new one, Bobby’s Besties, it’s a little bit different than her other ones.”
“Wait … Knucklehead Knockers, where that person murders all these racists and puts the heads on spikes as a warning?!” George asked, earning a horrified look from Kika.
“Yeah!” Yuki said with a wide smile “I like that one the most!”
“Your girlfriend is Maya Christney?” George then squealed extremely un-alpha like.
“Yes” Yuki said with a nod.
“Damn” George let out.
“You know her?” Esteban asked.
“Well, not know know, but I read her books, they are amazing. Really graphic at times, but really great.”
“Yeah, she took some courses in medicine and criminal justice to be able to write that more realistically.” Yuki said.
“You have to let me meet her, please!” George said.
“Fangirl moment” exclaimed Esteban and Logan giggled.
“Did you even understand anything else from this conversation?” Max asked.
“What? You have to speak up if you talk to me tonight!” Logan said loudly, making them all laugh.
“So, she writes crime novels?” Lando asked.
“Oh, yes, they are really amazing!” George said with a huge smile, nodding enthusiastically.

 

Result of the first Grand Prix (numbers behind the name are the total points in the season:

1 - NOR25
2 - OCO18
3 - RUS15
4 - LEC12
5 - HAM10
6 - TSU8
7 - STR6
8 - LAW4
9 - HUL2
10 - RIC1
11 - ANT0
12 - GAS0
13 - ALO0
14 - BOT0
15 - MSC0
16 - ZHO0
17 - ALB0
18 - BEA0
19 - SAR0
20 - VER0

Chapter 8: The one with (no) sex and (no) pistols

Summary:

The reason for the Redbull exit chairs is being found (I know the scene was unrealistic, but I somehow loved it), George tries to talk to Lance and George gets a surprise when returning to London...

It was Wednesday evening, Christian, Logan and Max having a quick talk before the driver’s meeting in Saudi-Arabia, when a young man knocked on the door and then entered, looking nervous, his tablet, phone and pass in hand.
“Hi, I – I – I’m Cole.” He stuttered.
“Hi Cole, I’m Max.” Max said and Logan chuckled.
“Stop it you wannabe jokesters, what’s up, Cole?” Christian asked.
“Well, I – I – I started working here as a mechanic at the start of this season, when I set in the engine back into the car for the last race, you know, after cleaning, I only looked at the engine manual, I didn’t double check it with the engine description or the set up manual, which I should have done, I looked at the set up manual for training and qualifying, I should have –“
“Cole, please calm down, what’s wrong?” Christian said.
“I know why the engines overheated and blew up. I attached the tubes wrongly. They weren’t coded correctly, I would have caught it if I double checked, but I didn’t and … I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry.” He said, laying his tablet, phone and lanyard on the table, pushing it towards Christian.
“And what is this? Is it broken?” Christian asked with a nod to the items.
“Well … you’re firing me, right?” Cole asked, wringing his hands.
“Why should I?”
“Because … I blew up our drivers.” Cole said.
“You know … you could have said nothing. We would have tested over and over, not finding anything and being cautious for the rest of the season, shifting the blame non-stop. Stepping up here and admitting your mistake takes courage.” Christian said and Cole stared at him “Just don’t do it again, alright? We’ll let PR post something about a non-technical issue and that it’s solved.” he continued, pushing the items back to Cole.
“Thank you” Cole said, taking his things and hurrying out of the room.
“He looked like he’d pee his pants any moment.” Logan said.
“Wouldn’t you?” Max asked.
“Oh, I would have come in here with soiled pants.”

“We need to talk.” George said lowly to Lance, walking beside him through the paddock.
“I’m busy, we have a team meeting.” Lance said stiffly.
“Then after, I don’t care to wait.” George hissed.
“We don’t actually have anything to talk about.”
“Yes, we do. We have to talk about Abu Dhabi, please.”
“We agreed to keep it between us. I didn’t think I would have to specify we won’t talk about it.”
“We didn’t agree on anything, you wrote a stupid fucking note and left me.” George hissed.
“I’m busy. I don’t have time to stand around and talk about things that happened in the past.” Lance said aggressively and jumped up the stairs to the Aston Martin hospitality and went into his driver’s room, closing the door and leaning his forehead against it, breathing out.
“So, it was George, huh?” he heard his father say from the little couch.
“My God! You almost scared me to death!” Lance exclaimed “What do you mean?”
“The reason you came back to the plane so late in Abu Dhabi. It was George. I admit, I smelled the black tea, but I didn’t actually make the connection.” Lawrence said before apparently contemplating in his head “He does have big hands, though.”
“DAD! No, out, now!” Lance said, ripping the door back open.
“I just want to have a conversation with my son that doesn’t involve racing.” Lawrence said while Lance pushed him out.
“I’m not going to talk with you about sex!” Lance said loudly and slammed the door in his father’s face.
“You know, there are the times where I think hey, maybe a kid would be nice. Then I see Kevin’s kids crying, Nico’s kid pooping or one of Checo’s kids throwing a tantrum and it’s flying away.” Fernando said from down the hallway.
“And on top of all that, you never stop to worry about them. Not really. It doesn’t matter how old they are getting.” Lawrence said “And on top of all that, they are going to make you love them anyway, even if they don’t do anything at all.”

The first practice was riddled with yellow flags, spectators keeping throwing stuff on the track. Water bottles, cups, flags, other merchandise and many other things. Second practice wasn’t much better, even though the organizers kept kicking out people. Valtteri’s and Yuki’s cars were even hit by things, thankfully not themselves.
On Friday morning the organizers announced that third practice would be held without an audience, and that the tickets would get refunded. There was a big uproar, which quickly seized after F1 official and Alpine F1 posted pictures of the cracked hood of Yuki’s car, a deep hole, only being a couple centimetres in front of the halo, together with the throwing star that caused the hole. Alpine also posted a little clip, throwing a star towards the helmet’s visor from different angles, smashing it and injuring the plastic doll behind it every single time.
The fences in front of the spectators were risen and spectators were allowed again for the qualifying. Albon would start last, his qualifying laps almost as slow as his laps in practice. Apparently, he couldn’t give anyone a good excuse. Bottas, Zhou, Hülkenberg after some impeding and Ricciardo after a blown tire and not enough time for a quicker lap, were out in Q1. Schumacher, Gasly, Antonelli, Lawson and Alonso in 11th were out next. Hamilton, Tsunoda, Bearman, Ocon, Sargeant, Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, Stroll and Russell made up the front of the grid, George being on pole.
The race itself was the most uneventful thing of that weekend, except for a couple tight fights and Aston Martin getting an unsafe release penalty due to Fernando driving out with a not properly attached tire and falling to the back of the grid, although he managed to catch back up to 16th. Alex ended up in 19th due to Valtteri blowing a tire just past the pit lane entrance and had to limp to the finish line, falling to last place.

“I just need to get more daring, then I’ll be on the podium again.” George said, sitting on the private plane back to England on Monday, together with Suzy and Toto.
“It was a good race.” Toto said.
“Yes, but the car can do more this year. It has the power, I just need to use it.” George contemplated.
“You will, I trust you on that. Buckle up, we’re about to land.” Toto said to him.
“Please stop for a moment, routine check.” An employee said when they made their way through the private entrance of the airport. The three of them went with him to a room at the side, where two policemen were waiting.
“Mr. George Russell?” one of them asked.
“Yes. How can I help you?” George asked a little surprised.
“Mr. George Russell, you are under arrest.” The man said, pulling some handcuffs from his belt.
“WHAT?!” Suzy screeched.
“Ma’am, I have to ask you to not interrupt this process.” The other policeman said, placing himself between George and Toto and Suzy.
“Please take off your backpack. Do you have any weapons or weapon-like items on your body?” the first policeman asked again.
“No, I don’t, what is going on?” George asked, taking off his backpack and handing it to the second policeman.
“Please turn around and place your hands on your back.” He just ordered and George did as he was told.
“George Russell” the first one said again while putting the handcuffs around his wrists “You are under arrest for grand theft, abduction, sexual assault, physical assault and the murder of Carmen Montero Mundt. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Did you understand everything I said?”
“Yes, yes, I did” George said confused “Carmen is dead?” he then asked, the policeman starting to pull him towards the door.
“George, don’t say a single word, we’ll get a lawyer for you. Just stay silent until he’s there.” Suzy said to him and then turned to the second policeman “Where are you bringing him?”
“Headquarters in the city centre, ma’am.” He said and then left, holding George’s other arm.
The pictures of George being led away in handcuffs made it around the world within an hour, although there was no reason published yet.

 

Results of the Saudi Arabian GP and overall points in the championship
1 - NOR50
2 - VER18
3 - LEC27
4 - BEA12
5 - SAR10
6 - OCO26
7 - STR12
8 - RUS19
9 - TSU10
10 - HAM11
11 - MSC0
12 - HUL2
13 - LAW4
14 - ANT0
15 - RIC1
16 - ALO0
17 - GAS0
18 - ZHO0
19 - ALB0
20 - BOT0

Chapter 9: Handcuffed

Summary:

What happened after George's arrest...

TW: physical violence, mentions of rape, murder and kidnapping

“What the fuck?!” Lando exclaimed.
“Ey! Swearing is no more, the kids are hearing everything!” Oscar smacked him against the chest, they were sitting on their private balcony on the cruise ship back to Europe.
“George got arrested yesterday, directly after arriving in England.” Lando said, looking up from his phone.
“What the fuck?!” Oscar now also asked, leaning over to look at the phone “For what? Did he turn on the headlights when there was still light out?”
“Sexual assault and murder … and grand theft!” Lando said.
“George? Who the hell thinks he did that?”

Lance had just refilled his juice glass from breakfast at the fridge in Monaco when he dropped the glass on the floor, breaking it into a thousand pieces.
“Hey, what happened?” Lawrence asked.
“George got arrested.” Lance said.
“Goody two shoes George? Never!” his father said.
“There are pictures. They arrested him at the airport when they arrived.”
“For what?”
“Sexual assault, abduction and murder … and other things.” Lance said and Lawrence pulled out his phone.
“Hello” a very stressed Toto said.
“Hi, it’s Lawrence.”
“Hi, I’m sorry, I’m really stressed.”
“I imagine. Do you have a good lawyer for George or could you need some assistance?”
“Well, I think I do. I’m normally working only with corporate lawyers and stuff.”
“Please tell me you didn’t google one.” Lawrence said and Toto was silent. “Where do they hold George?”
“Headquarters in the city centre in London.”
“I’ll make some calls.” Lawrence said and hung up, dialling another number immediately.

Toto still stood in the entrance hall of the police headquarters when a man walked in quickly, another following right behind him.
“Mr. Wolf! I imagine they didn’t let you visit Mr. Russell yet?” the man asked, pulling Toto out of his head “Molton. I’m here on the request of Mr. Stroll.” The man said, then turned to the receptionist, pulling out an ID “My name is Colin Molton, I’m Mr. Russell’s legal representation.” He said and the lady made a call. “You should get home to your wife, eat something, take a shower. This will take a while. I promise to update you after receiving your phone number.” He said and took Toto’s number.

Molton was led into a little room, George being led in shortly after, shaking a little and looking like he hadn’t slept a minute.
“Who are you?” he asked after the guard left them alone.
“My name is Colin Molton. I’ll be your legal representative.” He said, opening the file in front of him, taking out some papers and a pen.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before.”
“You didn’t. I don’t work corporate or contract law, I’m a criminal defence attorney.”
“How does Toto know you?”
“He doesn’t. I just met him for the first time. My colleagues at our firm are doing work for the Stroll family, they made the contact. Did anyone talk to you about the accusations?”
“No.”
“Alright. I’ll tell you a little about it first.” Molton said, laying down the pen “Ms. Mundt has been lastly seen on the 27th of December. Afterwards nothing. Her car was found a couple weeks later, burnt out in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. There were no real traces found at that scene except a broken car lock. On Thursday, a body was found in the Norfolk Coast National Landscape by a dog. There was a lot of rain the days before, the body was most likely freed of a lot of soil during that time. After some tests they found out it is Ms. Mundt. The body showed signs of extreme physical and sexual assault before being killed by a severe beating to the head with this” he said, pulling out a picture.
“That is my trophy. From my first win in Brazil.” George said, overwhelmed by all this information.
“Exactly. It was found about one hundred feet from the body. Ms. Mundt’s blood and your fingerprints are on it.”
“It – it should be in the headquarters, at Mercedes in the trophy cabinet.”
“I tasked Mr. Wolf with finding out about that.” Molton said “I will be honest with you. I requested bail for you, which they immediately declined due to your international contacts. Of course we are trying to negotiate something, but it doesn’t look very good.”
“So how long am I going to stay here?”
“They are currently trying to find out the time of death. As soon as we have that, we will be working on your alibi. So, I would like to ask you for access to your calendar and schedules.”
“Of course, whatever you need.” George said and it was silent for a bit “I’m not going to get out of here in the next week, will I?”
“It all depends on the coroner’s report. They will most likely bring you to a prison tomorrow morning because they are not equipped to keep someone here for longer.”
“Prison?!” George almost screamed.
“We are pretty sure you would get separated; we have a lot of influence. For the time being, I’m sorry, I know that’s not satisfactory, all we can do is wait.”

The next morning, George was brought to the prison, just outside of London. He felt like in a movie. There were reporters everywhere, filming the transport. He had to undress and was processed before being led to his cell.
“I thought I was supposed to be separated?” he asked the guard.
“You’re not getting a special treatment because you’re rich.” The guard coldly said.
“That’s not what I meant, I was –“
“Shut up and get in or you’ll lose privileges.” the guard interrupted him harshly and George got into his little cell, placing the things he got on the bed. He had to start working in the laundry room the next day, but that was tomorrow’s problem. First there was the dinner call. He got into the line and noticed immediately that his plate held much less food than the other’s plates, but the look of the inmate giving it to him made him not ask any questions. Some kind of meat, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. A chocolate cookie and a pudding. He looked around the room. Everyone sat in groups, although he saw the end of one table empty. He sat down and started eating slowly. He was almost done when someone dropped down opposite of him.
“So, you like to rape and kill pretty ladies before stepping into your fancy race car.” He said, popping George’s cookie into his mouth.
“I didn’t do anything to her.” George said, not really looking at him.
“Oh, you’re a little sweety, aren’t you.” The guy smirked at him “You know … you’re going to need friends in here if you don’t want to get hurt.”
“I don’t want to get into trouble with anyone.”
“Of course you don’t, pretty boy. I could protect you, you know.” The guy then smiled creepily.
“I’d rather just keep to myself.” George said, although a little shakily. This guy was much broader and more muscular than him.
“Well then, enjoy your stay.” The guy said and took his pudding before leaving. George brought away his tray and made his way back through the hallway to the cells when he was pulled aside into a room. Someone held his mouth shut with a cloth while he felt at least two others starting to beat him up. Chest, stomach, arm twist, face, kicks to the legs kept coming and it felt like hours until they stopped and just left the room as if nothing happened. It took him a while to get back up and start his way back to his cell.
“Oh, pretty boy, what happened?” the guy from earlier asked, leaning against a wall, eating his pudding. George didn’t answer, he just kept stumbling to his cell.

He got less food for breakfast the next day as well. He didn’t comment. He was brought to his new workplace in the laundry room afterwards, having the task loading the dirty sheets into the washers. Four other inmates peed on the sheets right in front of him. Apparently, there were no gloves left. The space behind seemed also too narrow for everyone, bumping and pushing him non-stop the whole day, whispering insults. He didn’t think he’d be this happy to get back to his cell. He stepped in and immediately saw that the granola bars and other snacks Toto had handed in to the prison yesterday were gone. The same thing started the next day. Only almost, though. An inmate slipped on some water and pressed an iron onto George’s right forearm. He was brought to the infirmary, where a nurse pretty much rubbed some ointment into the wound before wrapping a compress around his arm. Keep it clean. That was the only instruction he got. It burned like hell. He didn’t say anything. The inmates accused him of snitching anyway. His punishment – another beating after dinner.

Visiting hour started at 3.30pm on Friday, after another day in the laundry room. There were no other, bigger incidents. The guards yelled at him to get it going though. He was barely able to move, everything hurt. George didn’t expect anyone to visit, but he was called up anyway. He got into the visitation room, a big room with multiple tables. No touching. He spotted Susie sitting at one of the tables alone, staring at him. He slowly walked over and sat down opposite to her, wincing a little.
“I thought you had that thing with the academy today?” he asked with a shaky smile.
“Fuck the academy, what happened to you?” she gasped, tears in her eyes while studying his body. His arms were littered with marks and scratches around the bandage, his jaw and eye swollen and purple.
“Well, separation isn’t a thing apparently and … rapists aren’t that well liked.”
“But you’re not a rapist, George!”
“They don’t care.” George hissed at her and she looked down “Tell me something from the outside.”
“Well, Jack misses you. He drew a picture. I gave it to them with a couple of other things, they need to check it before giving it to you. Uhm, the police said it will take until Monday to get new results.”
“Monday? It’s Friday! I have to stay here all weekend?!” George exclaimed, looking around.
“I will call your lawyer right away.” Susie said “You can’t stay here.”
“VISITATION IS OVER!” a guard yelled loudly.
“Try to stay safe, please, okay?” She begged him, tears still in her eyes “And don’t give up, alright? Don’t you dare to give up.”
“I won’t.” George said and carefully got up, leaving the room with the other inmates.

Chapter 10: The one with the mobster and the changing table

Summary:

Susie calls Lawrence to ask for help and Landoscar arrive back in Monaco, trying to set up the nurseries.

“We need to do something! He’s getting beat up in there!” Susie yelled and cried into the phone, having stopped her car a bit away from the prison.
“I understand your troubles, Mrs. Wolf. I will call there right away.” Molton said calmly.
“He needs to get out of there!” Susie cried.
“We can’t get him out, Mrs. Wolf, his bail was denied by the judge.”
“But he can’t stay in there! He was beaten up! He looked like hell already!”
“I will see what I can do.” Molton said and they hung up shortly after.
Susie cried some more, then dialled another number.
“They did what?” Lawrence asked “What prison is he in?” he then continued, letting Lance stare at him “I’ll do something, please don’t worry, Susie.” He said and hung up.
“What happened?” Lance asked.
“George ended up in gen pop and … he’s not having a good time. I’ll go out for a bit.” Lawrence said shortly and left their London townhouse. He drove over to the prison, wearing his signature suit, white button down, no tie and sunglasses. He was let in pretty quickly and into a separated visitation room, waiting until an inmate was brought in.
“Mr. Stroll” the man said, almost bowing.
“You have influence in here.” Lawrence said.
“A little, sir, I –“
“Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking.” Lawrence thundered, stepping up to the man and grabbing his collar, pulling the way shorter man against the wall “If something else happens to George, anything at all, YOU are the one I’m holding responsible, do you understand?” he growled into his face.
“Yes, sir.” The inmate said obediently.
“It’s good that we still understand each other.” Lawrence said with an ugly grin “You will get him separated TODAY and there will be no more harm done to him, or I will show you how uncomfortable I can make people.”
“Yes, sir.” The inmate said, looking at the floor.
“Good” Lawrence said, pulling his hands from the man’s collar and turned around, letting the guard open the door for him. He quickly went into his bedroom back at home, making a call.
“Hey, what’s up? You never call this early?” Pascal asked a little worried.
“I know I promised, and I’m kind of sorry, but I really wasn’t a nice alpha just now.”
“Oh, amour. What happened?”
“Susie called, George got into gen pop and got beat up, he had a bandage, he looked pretty bad, Susie said … well … I just had to go there. I threatened another inmate to take care of him.”
“Then it was for a good cause. And I’m not mad at you under these circumstances.” Pascal said, her voice heavy with emotion “I’m not friends with George or anything, but I can’t believe he would do anything like that he definitely doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”
“So, it is really okay?” Lawrence asked.
“For this time, yes.” Pascal said and they hung up shortly after. Lawrence heard a sob from the door. Lance had heard the call.

“Mummy, what’s wrong?” Arthur asked when Pascal came back into the living room.
“Oh, nothing sweetheart. Lawrence just had a question, how about you go upstairs really silent and look if P is still asleep, yes?” she asked, kissing his head.
“Okay!” Arthur exclaimed with a smile and went upstairs.
“What happened?” Charles asked, sitting on the couch with Max.
“George got into gen pop and … he got injured.”
“What? But he was supposed to be separated!” Max exclaimed.
“Susie visited him and saw how bad he was. Lawrence … he … “
“He knows someone in there?” Charles asked, already knowing the answer.
“He apparently threatened someone and made sure George won’t get hurt again.”
“Good old, not really good Lawrence, is he even really a business man with all the contacts he has or is he some kind of Canadian mobster?”
“Is that really a thing you want answered?” Charles asked Max, who just shook his head.

“I just want to stay in here. I don’t want to move.” Oscar complained, laying on the bed on the cruise ship. They had just arrived in Marseille, all their things were packed and they had to leave their suite, but Oscar wasn’t in the mood to get up.
“Come on, we’ll be home in a couple of hours and then you can lay in the nest for as long as you want.” Lando said, stretching his hand out to help Oscar up. Oscar moaned and then let Lando help him up to make their way home.
They took the elevator up to their floor and were greeted by all kinds and sizes of boxes, almost blocking the hallway entirely.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, we planned to be already done by now.” Ollie smiled, pushing some boxes out of the way.
“How much stuff do you own?” Lando asked.
“I only have one appartement. If I move, I move ALL my stuff. I was just too lazy to do it after Christmas.” Ollie explained “Anyway, it is great to see you, Nicole was here earlier, she said she put some things in the fridge.” He said and then hurried away into his appartement, where some music was playing.
“Thank you” Lando yelled after him “You know where to find us if you need help.”

They got into their appartement, now making the way to the right side of the appartement, their new bedroom. They had thrown over their plans of just adding the bedroom after a bit and remodelled that side of the appartement as well. Lando’s sim and gaming room was smaller than before to add a shower bath, adding the master bedroom, walk-in closet, bathroom and a little office which can also function as a guest bedroom by taking some space from the neighbouring appartement. The now smaller, one and a half bedroom appartement was sold to Ollie after the remodelling was done. Oscar went into their nest while Lando turned on the laundry and went to the kitchen, opening the fridge. It held three new huge glass containers. Lasagna. Potato broccoli casserole. Rice quinoa vegetable fry. The little notes on them said. He brought Oscar something to drink and saw he was on the phone with his mum, so he left the room again, checking his e-mails and the mail that had arrived while they were gone. Nothing too special in them. He went into the first baby’s room, seeing a couple packages still leaning against the door. He took the cutter and cut open the packaging. A changing table. He spread out all the little bolts and screws, as well as the wooden boards.
“You look lost” Oscar said, leaning against the frame and looking at Lando sitting on the floor.
“Well, we all know I’m not the best reader, so please, you make sense of it for me.” Lando said and held the instruction up. Oscar waddled over, took the instruction and settled down in the weaning chair.
“To table changing work, make beetle in fast! No tool need you! Everything does person! No tool need you! Rubbish goes up and everything set! Properly live long admission construct being! No tool need you!” Oscar read out loud “I think whoever thought this would be helpful is a tool. Are there pictures?”
“No, there are not.” Lando said and got up.
“Are you giving up?”
“No, but Ollie is way handier than I am.” Lando said and left the room, coming back five minutes later with a laughing Ollie.

“Hi Oscar! Let’s see how much you guys have.” Ollie said, looking down at the material and then asking for some pictures. He sorted the wood as how it would look when everything is assembled before starting to order Lando around to hold stuff and screw things in. The first changing table was done in fifteen minutes, the other two following shortly after. Oscar took some pictures of them to upload on Instagram and they invited Ollie for the Lasagna for dinner, which he happily accepted.
“Where is your partner, by the way?” Oscar asked during the dinner and Ollie almost choked on his beer.
“Oscar, please leave him alone.” Lando said while eating his lasagne.
“I’m very happy the way things are right now.” Ollie said.
“Okay” Oscar said, eating again.
“Why do I never get off this easily?” Lando asked after a little silence.
“Because we are married. It’s a little bit of our job to annoy each other.” Oscar said with a wink and Lando laughed.
“Did you hear anything new about George?” Ollie asked after a little silence.
“They expected news from the coroner or the police today, but apparently, they didn’t receive anything of good value. His lawyer has a meeting with the police and the prosecution tomorrow. He is separated now, though.”

Chapter 11: Unlocked

Summary:

Lance visits George in prison and Oscar has an idea how to help George.

“Inmate!” the guard yelled at him “You got a visitor!” George got up from the bed.
He was in single custody now. The cell was a little bit bigger, but there was no way out. There was some time he was allowed in the gym and there was an hour in a separate courtyard, but that was it. There was no work day for him. It was Monday now. He knew he was here only for a few days, but he felt drained. He followed the guard to the visitor’s room and got through the door. He thought it might be Susie or Toto, maybe even Esteban, but Lance was sitting at the table, staring at him.

“Don’t worry, I’ve looked worse.” George said while sitting down. His black marks were now a faint purple and dark yellow.
”But you look … just not good.” Lance said.
“Yeah, I’m in jail.” George said a little bit rougher than intended “I’m sorry, this is really … tough without being tough.” He said and there was a little silence. “You shouldn’t be here anyway. This is not a place for good people like you.”
“You’re in here even though you don’t belong here. How are you really?”
“I’m a little … The door is closed, you know. I guess I have to thank your dad for the separation, which I’m really happy about, but … I’m in a little room, 22 hours a day, knowing I can’t get out. If you roll up in a hotel room for some reason it’s different. Did you hear anything from the lawyers? I know you’re not directly involved, but still.”
“No, not yet. Molton hopes that they will send something tonight. He has another appointment with the police and prosecution tomorrow morning. He’s trying his best to get you bail, but they are resistant on that.”
“I kind of get that, though.” George had to admit.
“Still, this is not fair. How could anyone think you did that?”
“They are following their evidence; they don’t act on feelings.”
“But there is no real evidence!” Lance hissed “There is no DNA, they don’t have a date of abduction or the murder, they have NOTHING!” Lance said, then looked down at his hands for a bit. “I brought some books and stuff, I mixed them because I wasn’t sure what you liked. They are currently checking it.”
“Thank you.” George said and then thought about his next question “Did you hear something from the others?”
“Well, they are all calling or texting Toto every day. Nobody get’s visitation because they are not family.”
“Yeah, how did you get it, then?”
“My dad made a call.” Lance said “One of the very few moments I liked the shadow he still carries. Uhm, Arthur won his first race this weekend. Lando and Oscar are preparing for the kids like crazy. They set everything up and Oscar will come to England soon. The caesarean is scheduled and the pre-appointments are set. They are still not saying any names. Nicole will be there for the birth and a couple days after, Daniel will be taking care of the girls. He seems like being just about to move in anyway. We think Lewis met someone, he is … happier and just … looks satisfied or stuff, Charles says. He learns a lot of Italian. Esteban’s new building is almost done, he decided on serviced appartements, opening on the first.”
“Do they know who will replace me yet?” George asked and Lance looked at him warningly “Come on, if they give me bail, I would never be allowed to leave England.”
“Toto stays silent. Media is going crazy, they even brought up Carlos or Checo, but we are thinking it would be Pourchaire, maybe Hauger or Hadjar. Toto keeps insisting it is your seat, though.”

“So, they won’t let him out?” Ollie asked, sitting in front of the laptop together with Oscar and Lando, in their nest. Most of the drivers were in this call.
“They say he doesn’t have a family or a support system here. We don’t count as we are travelling with you guys so much.” Toto said and there was a little silence. He was at his house with Molton.
“Would he be allowed to go to Woking?” Oscar then suddenly asked.
“Why would he do that?” Molton asked.
“Well, hypothetically … if there would be a good friend who is highly pregnant and can’t really function … on his own anymore with triplets kicking his bladder non-stop, wouldn’t he really benefit of a friend taking care of him almost 24/7? You know, cooking stuff, helping around, maybe doing some shopping. Helping him settle before the birth. He can’t just get up and run away from that. We could agree on an ankle monitor maybe?” Oscar asked and there was some silence.
“If this friend would want that, I can suggest it to the prosecution. The friend would need to already be in England when George would be let out.”
“Well, wouldn’t that be perfect, I am travelling to Woking tomorrow already, anyway.”
“You do?” Lando said a little confused and Oscar looked at him. “He does. Of course he does, as we planned.”
“I will suggest it to the prosecution and will call you right after.” Molton said, leaving the frame.

They got a call three hours later, George would be released on bail on Wednesday morning, the bail already being settled. Lando started packing their stuff while Oscar called his mum, who made her way over right away, bringing the girls who also helped packing. The next morning, Max drove the four of them to the airport. Lando, Oscar, Penelope and himself. Penelope would join him for the races in Australia, Japan and China, Max not travelling home in between races. Half of the car was stuffed with Oscar’s and baby things, as he would stay in England for at least four weeks after the birth. They separated in London, Oscar leaving the plane while the others stayed on.

George had cried when he got the news that he was being let go. The first gates opened and he saw Adam Norris leaning against his car, smiling hesitantly. George walked up to him and hugged him, thanking him profusely. He got into the back of the car, awkwardly hugging Oscar in the front.
“So, I’m going to babysit you now?” George asked a couple minutes later.
“I’m pregnant with triplets. I’m really helpless these days.” Oscar said casually and Adam chuckled. They arrived at Lando and Oscar’s house an hour later, driving directly into the garage. George and Adam unloaded the car before Adam drove back out with a list to go shopping. George carried most of the luggage upstairs, intending to help Oscar.
“Hey, I’m not able to do nothing on my own.” Oscar said softly. “Sit in the garden, drink a coffee, take a long shower, whatever, okay?”
“That would be great.” George said, tears in his eyes.

He took a long and hot shower, scrubbing his body up and down multiple times before putting on a thick sweatshirt and sweatpants of Lando, both a bit too short, getting a coffee and sitting in the garden. He was so buried in his thoughts, he didn’t even see Oscar coming outside and preparing the little nest they had there. It was round and had a lot of pillows, half of it framed in with glass against wind, a roof on top. George was ripped out of his thoughts by Oscar pulling him to the nest, having a big thermos of tea with him and there was a tote bag of snacks waiting in the nest as well. The heating lamps that hung under the roof were on and George realised the nest was heated from underneath as well, making it a cozy nest on this grey and sun free day.
George was taking a nap when Adam came back, unpacking the groceries before coming outside.
“I started the oven for the lasagne.” Adam whispered, looking at George cuddled up with Oscar. “How is he doing?”
“I’m not sure yet. He enjoys the outside.” Oscar said, moving his fingers through George’s hair.

Chapter 12: The one with new rooms and bonds

Summary:

Esteban and Logan are putting the finishing touches on Estie's new building while Landoscar and George talk about George's bond...

“Okay, and you are sure you have everything? Like programs and just … things.” Esteban asked, sitting in the office of his new building. There were some people in the rooms upstairs, putting on the last light fixtures and unpacking all the kitchen utensils and other things you would need in a mid to long term appartement. Logan was overseeing everything. It would be an online check-in only, little boxes in the front hall holding access cards if you don’t want to use the app.
“Yes, everything is good. I will tell you if there is something missing. I’ve worked these jobs before. I might have never called myself a manager, but still.” Marie said.
“And you’re sure you don’t need another employee or something?”
“Not at the moment, no. Carola is really good, I know her from another job. She’s very reliable and a very good worker. We also both want to thank you for this opportunity. It is not normal that your kids can come over after school.”
“Hey, it’s all good, and I told you there is no problem with that. Childcare prices are horrendous, I wouldn’t be able to pay you that much, not now at least.”
“This is going to be great, I think. It is online check-in, so there will be some calls from people not getting it and reservation questions of course. Housekeeping is taken care of, we just make a list for them, that’s it. We have a maintenance company on call, all the programs are up and running, it’s going to be fine. The last two days before opening will be extremely hectic anyway, because then we will find all the little things missing nobody thinks about right now. That is what I’m here for as well and I’m also proud to say that we already have some bookings coming in, and I want to suggest to you to raise the prices for the summer and set it up for holiday season at the end of the year.”
“Christmas prices? Now? It’s not even April yet.”
“But people want to book it. The invitations for the big parties are starting to go out in April, May and June. That’s the time prices for the holidays will rise. There will always be some cancellations in the fall and stuff, but that’s normal. I also suggest a 14-day policy for those dates.”
“There are really requests coming in for that time?” Esteban asked again.
“Come around, I’ll show you.” She said and he moved his chair next to her. She showed him the mails, as well as the reservations that had already been done.

Five studios with a half-wall separating the bedroom area, seventeen one bedroom and three two-bedroom appartements, who fit up to four people. The bigger ones were mostly requested for the summer, families wanting to go on vacation. Extra beds still to be discussed.
“I like that idea. With the couches being formed in an L-shape, there would be a little separation. Maybe also look into little, light nightstands that fit the colour scheme? Just to put down a glass or a phone or something, it always feels a little weird putting those on the floor if we fit the extra bed behind the sofa.”
“Yeah, I’ll take that in there as well.” Marie said, opening an excel sheet titled ideas.
“Wow, you are really organized.”
“I just like to keep track on things so I won’t lose anything. If we don’t talk about an idea for three months or even a year it might fall out of your head completely.”
“Yeah, I agree with that. Also, if you see these requests for extra beds rolling in like crazy, just do it and inform me, we’ll manage the budget afterwards.”
“Will do.”

“MARIE!” Logan yelled from outside the room “MY FUCKING CARD doesn’t work!” and Esteban broke out in laughter.
“There is no reason to scream like that.” He said, opening the office door and letting Logan in.
“Okay, sorry. I just have a question, you want to rent this mostly to business people, at least out of vacation time, that is.”
“Yes, that’s the current target group.” Marie said.
“Alright, I just noticed, uhm” Logan said, looking on the list on his tablet “There are two sizes of long drink style water glasses, wine glasses and shots. Just as a question – I don’t drink you know – should we get just, like, two tumbler like glasses? For whiskey or stuff? In movies they mostly drink a whiskey in the evening.”
“That’s good. I don’t drink whiskey, I enjoy a glass of wine sometimes, but you’re right.” Marie said, pulling the glass catalogue out of the mountain of catalogues on her desk, rifling through it “Here what about those, they are the same design as the others.” She pointed at some glasses.
“Two for each appartement, four for the big ones.” Esteban said and Marie made a note. “Any other ideas?”
“Yes. Garbage. It has two compartments, but what if we get one with three? We would have recycling, paper and bio, glass separate, maybe put like a plate or something with a label? I think people would really like that, even the ones that don’t separate. I think there would be enough space under the sinks. I also want to give some news from the ladies stocking the kitchens and bathrooms, they love this little sill thing under the mirror in the bath, apparently, it’s amazing to put on your make up or stuff. They also like that salt and pepper mill thingies, cause that’s apparently something you always forget and these mini packages of ground pepper are vial, she said. One lady suggested a blanket in a contrast colour to the couch in the living room, just to pull it over you while watching tv or stuff.” Logan told them, Marie taking notes “Oh and a suggestion from me, how about these almost sheer curtains for the windows? I know you can only look over the lake, but it would give a kind of privacy and if people don’t want that, they can just open them.”
“Yes! Right, that’s one of the things I was talking about, that you don’t think about until it’s two days before opening!” Marie said, pointing her pen at Esteban “Do you think we can ship the garbage bins back and exchange them?”
“They are not unpacked yet, so that shouldn’t be a problem.” Logan said.
“They weren’t one of the sale items, we should be able to. I’ll look into that three-compartment thing.”
“Oh, and the baby beds arrived, they are already pre-assembled, thankfully. The bigger furniture is all assembled, both bedrooms and living areas. We are just waiting for the table and chairs, they should arrive in about an hour, the guys are bringing out all the rubbish and then take a break.” Logan finished, hurrying out of the room again.
“You really got a good one there.” Marie said to Esteban.
“Yeah, I know. Esteban said, smiling widely.

 

“I can move in a two kilometre radius, so the hospital is in, as is the shopping and stuff. I’ll be fine.” George said while they ate, although a little emotionless.
“It’s a step forward.” Oscar said “I know this is not freedom, but we thought it’s better than leaving you in there.”
“It is, thank you very much.” George said “I don’t even know how you managed to put bail. It must have been massive.”
“We didn’t pay the bail. Lawrence did. It would have taken much longer, because we would have had to get it first.”
“How high was that bail?!” George exclaimed.
“You don’t know?” Oscar asked surprised and George shook his head “Well, he does get it back as soon as everything is cleared up.”
“How much?” George asked.
“Well, they brought up that you apparently have contacts everywhere, including countries that don’t cooperate with the UK, so they – “
“How much” George interrupted him.
“30 million.” Oscar said quickly and George dropped his fork “It’s bail, it’s like he’s loaning it to them without interest, he’ll get it back.” Oscar tried to soften the blow.
“And he just what? Had that in his bank account, waiting to be used?”
“How would I know?!” Oscar exclaimed.
“I need to make a call.” George said after they finished lunch and went upstairs, he contemplated for a little bit and then called Lance.

“Hey, are you home yet? I mean with Oscar and Lando? Are you okay?” Lance asked.
“I’m okay, we arrived a couple hours ago.” George said “I sat outside for a while.”
“Yeah, that’s that’s good, I imagine.” Lance said.
“Hey, is your dad there? Could I speak to him?” George asked and Lance was silent a bit “Lance?”
“They told you about the bail, didn’t they?”
“I kind of … pressured Oscar. Lando already left.”
“Yeah, we’re leaving soon as well. I’ll get him.” Lance said and George heard rustling and walking, then some doors being opened and then Lance talking to Lawrence shortly.
“Hello George, are you alright? Do you need anything?” Lawrence then asked.
“No, thank you and yes, I’m alright. They have a really nice house. I spent some time outside.”
“Yeah, you should do that in the next days too, just to remember that you can and that it is normal that you can.”
“It sounds like you have experience with that.” George said.
“I was held for six weeks once, when I was really young, back in Canada. It’s the … knowing you’re not able to that makes you a mess.”
“Is that why you posted my bail?”
“It played a little role, yes.” Lawrence said “It was mostly Lance though. When he found out you got beaten up … he was not good. I don’t know what has been going on between the two of you and it’s none of my business or anything, but … I couldn’t see him like that.”
“Thank you. I don’t think I could say that enough, like … ever.”
“Just don’t run, okay? That would be enough. I’m able to pay that bail, but … it’s not really something I can just shake off, you know. It’s private money and I can’t put it on my tax returns.”
“I won’t. I’m here with Oscar, I’ll watch F1 and wear my ankle monitor while enjoying the garden.”
“Okay, stay strong, okay? You’re going to get back on the grid soon.”
“Yeah” George said and they hung up not long after. He texted some more with Lance over the rest of the day.

Chapter 13: The one with the bloody driver's meeting

Summary:

Lewis and Ollie find something on their way to the driver's meeting, and the Melbourne GP is a go.

Ollie and Lewis made their way towards the driver’s meeting on Thursday, walking through the big building before passing a double door, not really watching where they were going.
“You know, when I was still with – “ Lewis started, then slipped and fell straight on his back. Ollie’s first reaction was wanting to laugh, but then he saw Lewis was laying in a huge pool of blood and there was a body laying just around the corner. Ollie screamed louder than he ever did before, Lewis was crawling away from the body, staring at it in shock, blood all over his body now. Two security guys ran up to them, looked at them and one of them radioed for help while the other tried to calm Ollie, who was still screaming, while also trying to make sure Lewis wasn’t hurt.

The other drivers stormed out of a room down the hall, but they were stopped immediately by more security coming up. Ollie by now just sat on the floor, legs pulled up to his chest and slightly moving back and forth, staring at the body. Police arrived shortly after, together with some EMTs and psychological support.
The driver’s meeting was pushed to the next morning and the other drivers made their way back to the hotel, not really talking until they were on their floor, Zak, Fred, Toto, Bruno and Christian already waiting for them.
“What the fuck happened?” Christian asked them.
“There was a body down the hallway from the meeting.” Valtteri said, the others were pretty silent. Nobody was joking or chatting like normal.
“A dead one?” Fred asked.
“No, a live one, that’s why it was so unusual!” Yuki said loudly.
“Why are you back? I thought we had a lady’s night!” Maya said, coming out of the elevator with Kika, Egle and Tiffany, all in bathrobes and carrying champagne glasses.
“Where are the kids?” Nico asked.
“The hotel had a babysitter on call and we wanted to celebrate my new freedom of being able to drink again!” Kika smiled, lifting her champagne glass.
“So, you are Maya?” Esteban then asked.
“Yes, hi everyone, nice to meet you.” Maya said, also lifting her glass.
“Wow, there really are grown people who are shorter than you!” Logan said to Yuki who just glared back “I’m sorry, I’m turning weird if crazy things are happening.”
“But why are you already back?” Tiffany asked now.
“There … was a body found at the track.” Yuki said.
“A dead one?” Tiffany asked.
“A live one wouldn’t be an issue, would it?” Maya asked, earning a disturbed look from Kika “What? I warned you I have a weird side.”
“Y – Yeah, I just thought you kept that in your books.” Kika said.
“Do you know who it is?” Maya asked the guys.
“We didn’t even see it. Ollie and Lewis did … it looked like … Lewis slipped on the blood and Ollie got really disturbed by it.” Lando said “He’s not answering his phone.” The elevator arrived; Ollie being led out by a police woman. He wasn’t wearing his clothes anymore, but some scrubs from the hospital. “Ollie, are you okay?” Lando asked, stepping up to him. Ollie just looked down, not really reacting to him.
“Mr. Lando Norris?” the police woman asked.
“Yes?” Lando asked.
“Could you come with me for a moment, please?” she asked when another policeman came out of the elevator. Lando went with her, kind of handing over Ollie to Charles. They stepped aside, a couple metres away from the group.
“Mr. Norris, when did you last see your father-in-law?” the police woman asked.
“Actually, I never saw him at all. My husband and his family talked about him, but I never personally met him, why?”
“Mr. Norris, the body we found is your father-in-law. Chris Piastri.”
“What? He’s dead?” Lando asked.
“Yes, it was not due to natural causes.”
“Okay, am I being interrogated, should I get a lawyer or something?” Lando asked.
“Not at the moment. You seem pretty cold towards your father-in-law.”
“He wasn’t a good father or husband, especially during these past years. That is why my mother-in-law and her daughters are living in Monaco with us as well.”
“Alright, that would be it for now.”
“Okay, uhm, is my family getting updated or something?”
“They are not official family anymore as your parents-in-law are divorced and your husband is mated to you now.”
“Oh, okay, alright. Uhm, am I allowed to tell people, or do you want to keep it under wraps for now?”
“The news will know tomorrow anyway, there is no reason for secrecy.”
“Okay” Lando said and the police left soon after.
“What did they want?” Daniel asked when he came back to them.
“The body was Chris Piastri, my father-in-law.” Lando said “I have to call Oscar.”
“I’m going to call Nicole if that’s alright with you.” Daniel said and they both made their way to their suites, the others departing to their rooms shortly after.

“I’m not sure what to feel.” Nicole said to Daniel on the phone.
“Me neither. I don’t like what he did to you … but he was your husband and is the – was the father of your children. It is absolutely fine to be sad about that or mad at whoever did it.”
“Yeah” Nicole said “How do I tell the girls?”
“I don’t know. I never had to tell a child something like that.”
“Yeah, thankfully I’ve got a few hours until they are out of school.”
“Yeah, give them a kiss from me, okay? If it’s fitting, of course.”
“Of course I will.” Nicole said and they hung up shortly after.

“Are you okay?” Max asked Lewis before the driver’s meeting the next morning.
“Well … it’s not something you easily forget, I guess. But … it’s okay. They had a psychologist there. How is Ollie, I didn’t see him yet.”
“Silent. He stayed with us overnight, nesting with Charles. He’s … I don’t think he’s great, but … he seems alright, kind of.”
“Yeah, it was really … shocking to see, you know.”
“Yeah.” Max said and they entered the room. Ollie sat in between Charles and Lando, his cap pulled deep into his face. It was over in an hour and they went to their separate team meetings before the training started. Ollie sat in his car when Zak moved in on him, sticking his head into the halo, lifting his visor a little.
“Are you okay to drive?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Ollie” he now said, sounding a little worried “We asked you to leave the pits three times already.”
“You did?” Ollie asked.
“Close your eyes and take a deep breath” Zak instructed and Ollie followed “Now open them again. Good. Are you okay to drive?”
“Yes, I am.” Ollie said.
“Alright, we’ll talk later.” Zak said and closed his visor again.
Ollie had a decent first practice. It wasn’t his best, but he had a steady pace. It was the same for second practice. His focus was better, though. He had a talk with Zak afterwards, who also gave him the numbers of some therapists, just in case he wanted to talk to someone else.

Ollie made his way back to the hotel and took a long shower before sliding on some sweatshirt and sweatpants, sitting down on the couch and curling up. Someone knocked on the door. Ollie got up and shuffled to the door, opening it only a bit before opening it completely. He let him step in and they waited until the door was closed before they hugged.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t talk to you earlier.” he mumbled into Ollie’s hair.
“It’s okay.” Ollie said into his neck.
“No, not really. I should have come over.”
“No, really. Everything is good.” Ollie assured him, pulling back a little “Can we just lay down … make it a slow evening?”
“Of course. I brought gummi bears for you.” He said with a smile before kissing him.
“Thank you” Ollie said and they laid down in Ollie’s bed, Ollie’s head on his chest, snacking on the gummi bears while watching some tv.

“It is okay to mourn, you know that, right?” George asked, seeing Oscar quickly wiping away some tears when he saw George coming into the living room.
“Yeah, I know, it’s just … he was so bad to my sisters and my mum after I left … I didn’t think him dying would hurt me this much.” Oscar said, sobbing in between.
“He was your dad. That won’t change. Come on, let’s have some cookies and watch qualifying. Now I know how terrible it is to be a fan. Every fan getting up this early to watch qualifying deserves a medal.” They cuddled up under a blanket on the couch. Theo Pourchaire was replacing George this weekend, doing a pretty good job, qualifying 11th. Pole went to Max, followed by Lando, Logan, Charles, Lewis, Esteban and Ollie.

The race was quite eventful. The picture of the dead body flashed through Ollie’s mind, but he concentrated on the lights going on. And then off. He sped off with the others, sorting himself in behind Esteban.
“Yellow flag, safety car is getting deployed.” He heard over the intercom.
“Is everyone okay?” Ollie asked.
“Everyone alright, collision in turn 1.” He heard.
Ricciardo, Zhou, Gasly, Hülkenberg, Albon. Five cars out in the first lap. The safety car stayed for five laps, then they went ahead.
“Currently leading is Verstappen, then Norris, Sargeant, Leclerc, Hamilton, Ocon and you, Antonelli 1.2 behind, battling with Stroll. There are 40 laps left, keep the pace.”
“Copy.” Ollie stated and kept his pace. He stayed in pursuit of Esteban, careful to not get into the dirty air. Then it was time for pit stops.
“Stay out! Stay out!” he heard a yell through the intercom just when he wanted to swerve over to enter the pit lane.
“Staying out. What’s up?”
“Pit lane closed. Collision in the pit lane.”
“Oh geez, what happened?”
“Unsafe release, three cars out.” He heard.

Verstappen and Hamilton taken out by an unsafe release of Alonso, as he found out shortly after. Alonso had been released, crashing into Verstappen, Hamilton right behind him wasn’t able to stop in time.
“Alright, it’s Norris, Sargeant, Ocon and Leclerc in front, Stroll and Antonelli behind, 18 laps left, make them count. Leclerc 1.7 ahead.”
“What’s the distance to Stroll?”
“2.1 he has older tires.”
“Copy, keep me updated if he’s getting close.” Ollie said and started his pursuit, getting closer to Charles in the next laps, not wanting to overuse his tires. He stuck behind him, teasing a little bit and Charles definitely knew what he did. He overtook in the next DRS zone, getting himself the advantage. He wasn’t able to close in on Esteban anymore, the gap was more than fifteen seconds with 8 laps left, but he was still happy with his fourth. “Norris has won, then it’s Sargeant, Ocon, you, Leclerc, Stroll, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Schumacher and Lawson completing the points.”
Kimi Antonelli was over the moon. He finished 7th, taking 6 points. He almost yelled, jumping around and crawling up the walls.

Results of the Melbourne GP, number behind the name displaying the championship points.
1-NOR75
2-SAR28
3-OCO44
4-BEA24
5-LEC37
6-STR20
7-ANT6
8-TSU14
9-MSC2
10-LAW1
11-POU0
12-BOT0
DNF-VER18
DNF-HAM11
DNF-ALO0
DNF-RIC1
DNF-ZHO0
DNF-GAS0
DNF-HUL2
DNF-ALB0

not participating: RUS19, replaced temporarily by Theo Purchaire (finished 11th)

Chapter 14: The one in which only screaming helps

Summary:

Lando returns home to Oscar and discovers the state George is in.
Also, another investigation is starting.

“TWELVE! TWELVE finished! Out of twenty! My God, has it ever been worse?!” Oscar asked while finishing his second breakfast.
“I don’t think it has.” George said “At least not as long as I’ve been there.”
“Well, what do we do now? It feels like the day should be over but it actually hasn’t really started yet at all.” Oscar huffed and looked at the sun coming up behind the trees. “And our boys need at least another hour until they are able to call us.”
“Our boys?”
“Well, Lando and Lance.” Oscar said and George looked at him “What? I’m an omega. We feel a lot more than you think we do.”
“Lance is not my boyfriend.” George stated.
“Do you want him to be?” Oscar asked.
“It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want to.”
“I think he does. He’s just scared. I’m just not sure of what, though.”

“Hey, Lando!” Max asked, walking up to him from behind, slapping and squeezing his shoulder.
“Oh my God, what do you want?” Lando asked.
“Well, I just thought you might get a little lonely, as Oscar is not here and stuff, sooooooo I would be able to borrow P to you for a couple of hours.” Max said with a wide smile, P already on his arm.
“Sooooo, you want me to take care of your daughter, so you can play find the zucchini with your boyfriend.” Lando said, looking at P.
“No, I just want to make sure you are able to spend enough time with your god daughter before you are too busy with your own little carpet tantrums.”
“I have to leave for the airport at 7am. Be on time.” Lando said and took Penelope and her backpack with a smile, getting into his suite.

“Oh God, it’s so great, spraying you with champagne, sharing the podium.” Esteban said, eagerly kissing Logan again while pulling at his shirt. Logan was opening his belt, kissing back and biting Esteban’s lip.
“I love the way your eyes sparkle up there. It’s exhilarating.” Logan groaned, pulling down Esteban’s pants and letting him pull off his shirt. Esteban picked him up by his thighs, carrying him to the bed and falling down with him pretty clumsily. Logan sat up on Esteban, undressing them both and was just about to go down on him when there was a knock on the door. Esteban wanted to say something, but Logan clamped his hand over his mouth while grabbing for Esteban’s length, licking from the base to the top in one stroke. There was another knock. Logan groaned, but didn’t get up yet. He kissed Esteban’s hip, slowly making his way back to the base when there was a third knock. “Fucking hell” Logan grumbled, pulling on his boxers and walking to the door. “WHAT?” he yelled, opening the door “Oh, I apologize, I was just really busy and … yeah.”
“It’s all good. I just need to talk to Esteban quickly.” Toto said.
“Yeah sure, come in, I’ll get him.” Logan said and let Toto in, who sat down on the couch.

“Hello lazy people!” Lando yelled into the house on Monday evening, kicking the door to the garage closed with his foot, balancing the big suitcase he packed with George’s clothes and other stuff in his appartement in London, together with a couple of shopping bags.
“We are not here because we want to! We are here because we are bound to this house!” Oscar yelled, coming out of the toilet.
“Here, I brought your cookies and all of the other things, as well as everything from the list George wrote, after a 20 hour travel from Melbourne, I’m done with the world and all I want to do is sleep.” Lando started complaining.
“Don’t you dare complain, you just won!” George yelled from the couch, a half eaten chocolate cake on his lap.
“Are you going to eat all of that?” Lando asked, a little bit worried.
“Yes, I am.” George said grumpily “Judge me all you want.”
“I’m not judging. I’d probably do the same thing. It’s way better than drinking, anyway.”

Lando watched two days. Tuesday and Wednesday. That evening, during his run, he called Lance, asking if he could come over. George was depressed as hell. He moved between the bed, couch and garden nest, eating anything sugary, from cakes, to cookies, ice cream, chocolates, whatever he could find. He barely talked at all, and if, it was five words at the most. Lance showed up the next morning, shortly after breakfast. George was in the outside nest, hood pulled up, staring into the flowers.
“Hey” Lance softly said and George looked at him, then scrambled around, pushing off his hood and trying to get his unruly and unwashed hair under control.
“Lance! What are you doing here?”
“Lando called.” Lance said, carefully stepping into the nest “He said you might need someone.”
“Hmm”
“How are you doing?” Lance asked after a little silence “Really?”
“Really, I don’t know. I feel good and happy that I’m out, but at the same time … I’m still not free. They can take me back at any moment and this stupid thing is a constant reminder of that.” George said, nodding towards the black ankle bracelet showing from the bottom of his sweatpants.
“It’s not a good reason to stop completely, though.” Lance tried to be soft.
“It’s just … numbing and bringing me down. I’m waking up and think about all the things I could do, but then I get up and it all just … fades.”
“But don’t let yourself go like this. They can show up any moment and say you’re out of bail and you can come back to the grid. You want to show up there without any neck muscle at all? And you need a shower, because … you smell, like, really bad … sorry.”
“Hmm, maybe you’re right.” George grumbled, but didn’t move at all.
“GEORGE! STOP THIS SHIT!” Lance yelled, scaring George “GET UP! SHOWER! NOW!” George stared at him for a moment, then scrambled up and ran into the house, scaring Oscar and Lando on the couch.
“What’s up with him?” Lando asked Lance when he came in, massaging Oscar’s feet.
“He’s taking a shower.” Lance said.
“How did you get him to do that?” Oscar asked.
“Verbal violence.” Lance said, sitting down on the other couch.
“Huh?” Lando asked confused.
“He yelled at him.” Oscar explained “Oooh, this feels so good.” He then let out, laying his head back.
“I’m not sure if I want to like this or think it is disgusting or just … weird.” Lance said, nose scrunched up and waving at them.
“It’s just his feet, why would it be disgusting?” Lando asked.
“I don’t know, but I’ve never seen, heard or been told that a couple does that.” Lance said.
“How many married and highly pregnant people do you know?” Oscar asked and Lance shrugged.
“One. You.” He then admitted.

“This is just … there seem to be too many coincidents.” Agent Carter said to her colleague.
“I kind of know what you mean, but what if they are not?” Agent Powell asked.
“But it’s … you know. In December we had this half-assed report of a tax fraud at Adam Norris’ company, which turned out to be an absolute waste of time, then the break-in at Ferrari headquarters where nothing was stolen, followed by a missing persons report of Russell’s ex. Then they find her and he’s turning into … like… the best suspect ever. Shortly after that Chris Piastri is getting killed inside an F1 facility, where he had no reason to be at all … and now we find out that the trophy that was used to bludgeon Mundt is actually a replica, which for some reason still holds Russell’s fingerprints?!”
“What are you trying to prove? Someone trying to crash the F1 stocks?”
“How would I know?” Carter asked and they started a little fight, not seeing an assistant coming in.
“HEY!” he yelled and they looked at him “Maybe the F1 as a target isn’t the worst idea. Some pictures are just going viral, look at social media.”
“Which account?” Carter asked, opening her laptop.
“Doesn’t matter” the assistant said, leaving the room again.
“Oh wow.” Powell said a minute later, both of them studying the screen.

Daniel sat in the back garden together with Nicole, letting Chloe try to braid his hair. He took a sip of his smoothie, starting to cough and choke on it, letting out little burps and coughing some more.
“Oh my God, are you okay?” Nicole asked.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, sorry.” Daniel said, coughing twice more, holding his phone towards Nicole.
“Oh my God!” Nicole exclaimed.

Chapter 15: The one with the big news

Summary:

Some pictures are being posted online, revealing a hidden relationship.

“We have an issue!” the PR assistant said, storming into the meeting room and pulling up the sports news channel on the screen. Charles, Lewis, Fred, as well as the management of Ferrari was there. The rest of an ad was shown, then the news started.
“Exciting news from lifelong bachelor Lewis Hamilton! After a silence about his private life spanning years, finally we got some news about that. A couple of pictures uploaded on an almost unknown and very new Instagram account showing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton together with another driver. It is not known when exactly those pictures where taken, but I think it is safe to say they are doing more than just sharing a track!” the host said with a wide smile and then some pictures where displayed, apparently taken through a window, showing Lewis entering the room and then sharing multiple kisses and things that could definitely be called foreplay in the hotel room with Ollie. The room was silent.
“Anybody who is not PR, Fred or Lewis are going out now.” John Elkann, the executive chairman said and the other’s scrambled out, Charles trying to talk to Lewis while doing so, but Lewis just stared at the floor. It was just Lewis, Fred, John and their PR manager left in the room.
“I’ve watched you long enough. If it would be fake, you would lie under the table laughing.” Fred said, looking at Lewis, who nodded after a moment, rubbing his face with his hands.
“What kind of … relationship … are we talking about here.” The PR manager asked.
“We never … really gave it a name, but it would be exactly that.” Lewis said, his voice rough “I need to call him.”
“You can do that in a bit.” John Elkann said.
“Did you ever talk about how you want to handle things like these?” the PR manager asked and Lewis shook his head “I know that your private life is private, but to handle this, in whatever way, we need to know how it happened.”
“Uhm … he asked in Austin the first time … last year. I denied a couple of times … five … to be exact. I thought, I still think, that pretty much everything could be an issue or used against us. Age difference, racing, influence, whatever, they will always say things like one of us is using the other or it’s a media thing or grooming or whatever … I thought being with me would hurt him more than it would be worth, but he wanted to, anyway.”
“Okay … I would have to talk to McLaren, for obvious reasons, but we have to give a statement within the next hour, as a team and on your personal account. I would leave to make those calls now.” She said to John Elkann, who nodded at her, making her hurry out of the room.

Ollie was in the middle of training when someone stormed in, telling him to come to Zak’s office right away. The pictures were already pulled up, the Ferrari PR manager on the line. Ollie thought he would pass out.
'Today, two drivers’ private lives and intimacy was compromised in a cruel and unfair way and definitely against their will. We ask anyone who is in support of any kind of privacy, to not engage in actions like this. Every being has a right to privacy. No being has the right to compromise that privacy.'
That was the statement both Ferrari and McLaren put out at the same time, the statements being reposted and supported by the other F1 teams, as well as many other sports teams around the world. Lewis and Ollie also made some statements on their own accounts.
“Come on, Lance and George are with us, they are making Oscar’s lasagne.” Lando said, pulling Ollie away from his own car, Lando having watched him standing next to it for more than a minute, not moving. Ollie called Lewis during the ride and they talked a little.

“Why are you here?” Lando asked shocked.
“We were in London, bored and Oscar said we could help make lasagne. I don’t know a lot about European cooking.” Yuki said, shrugging.
“I didn’t want to stay at the hotel alone.” Maya added while they both layered sauce onto the pasta sheets.
“A little more sauce!” Oscar yelled towards them, laying on the couch and watching them “Hey baby, how was your day? We saw the posts from Lewis, what – “ Oscar started with a laugh, but then saw Ollie coming in behind Lando “Oh, hey, are you okay?”
“Not really, but Lando said your lasagne will help.” Ollie said.
“Come on, sit down.” Oscar said, waving him over.
The next days were more silent, no new breaking news, although the pictures of Lewis and Ollie still flew around the internet.
Lawrence insisted on them flying together, taking a little stop in Monaco to pick up Daniel before continuing to Japan.

“How was your little vacation?” Pierre asked Yuki when he came into the hospitality.
“It was great! My parents love Maya! You know, she was really worried, she thought they wouldn’t like her because she’s not Asian, but they went along great. My mum is a little shocked about her writing style, but that’s okay, my mum is not a crime fan.” Yuki babbled.
“Actually, I thought you wanted to go to that theme park?” Pierre asked.
“Oh, we did. It was great. Maya vomited after our third round in the Wheel of Death.” Yuki smiled.
“Sounds like fun.” Pierre said, a little confused.

“Whoops, somebody got a little bit of sun, didn’t he?” Ayao said to Nico when he came into the hospitality with Kimi, his face a little sunburned.
“Yeah, I should have listened to my wife.” Nico shrugged.
“Alright, so it’s your own fault.”
“Definitely”
“Don’t worry about him, he looked a lot worse a couple days ago.” Kimi said, sliding onto a chair next to him, happily taking the plate with his lunch from the employee.
“And what about you?” Nico asked.
“What about me?” Kimi asked, mouth already full.
“Don’t talk with a full mouth. Anybody in your life? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Anyone?”
“No, for what?”
“Everything? Cuddling, shmoozing, making kissy faces, the dirty stuff?”
“No. I can do all of that with myself.” Kimi said and Nico and Ayao just chuckled “What?”
“Nothing, kid. You be happy.” Ayao said and also started eating.

“So? How did it start?” Theo asked Esteban, setting his lunch opposite to him.
“Hey, good. We are not fully sold out, but we didn’t expect that of course. Requests are definitely there. The first comments are online, they are really good. One complaint that there is no carpet throughout, but that’s a personal preference.”
“I actually prefer no carpet in hotel rooms. Who knows what happened on them … and it’s better to clean a wooden floor.”
“Yeah, we actually decided on vinyl as it’s more … like, it’s really hard to scratch that stuff.”
“Pretty much as important as looking good in your case.”
“Definitely. I don’t really want to close half of the appartements every two years to get the floors redone. And we’re already adding services. My manager is just buying extra beds to accommodate more families over the summer, especially. The request is super high for that.”
“Wow, sounds really good” Theo said “Did you hear from George?”
“We talked, yes. He is a little better now, but he’s not able to come back, yet.”
“Damn it.”
“Well, it’s kind of good for you.”
“Well … of course I’m happy to race here, to be in F1 … it’s just … the reason sucks, you know? If it would have been an injury or something, alright, but this? I’m never really sure if I can tell a reporter that I’m happy to be here.”
“Yeah, also true. I didn’t see it that way.” Esteban admitted “Oh come on, the meeting starts soon.” He said and they went to their strategy meeting.

“Can I try the setup from Saudi-Arabia, with the breaking from Australia? I mean break setting?” Yuki asked shortly after first practice started.
“Uhm, okay … come back to the garage and we can have a look if we can make that work.” His engineer said.

“How does the update feel?”
“Hmmmm” Liam let out “Could you give me two more laps to figure it out?”
“Sure, go ahead.” His engineer stated.
“Okay, so … it feels way better. This clunky thing I was trying to tell you about? It’s almost gone, the car feels … it moves more swiftly, that’s great. I have a question about the wing though, I would like to ask that in the garage.”
“Very well, come in.”
Liam boxed the next lap, seeing Alex’s engineer grip and pull his hair while being pushed back into the garage. He talked and asked the mechanics and engineers about some details for the back wings, but in the end, the thought that went through Liam’s mind wasn’t possible, although they made some adjustments on the new rear wing.

“I think this track fits the car really well!” Ollie said, smiling widely.
“That’s good to hear, we’re going to change tires and then do a long run, box next lap.” His engineer said.

It started raining half an hour after first practice ended and it refused to stop that day. It was still deemed safe, second practice continuing on inters and wets for twenty minutes, until Alex’s Williams flew out of a corner and into the barrier, calling a red flag which span the rest of training. It was too wet; I couldn’t hold it. Was the simple statement Alex gave the team with a shrug. Accidents happen, many times not being the fault of the person that crashed, but a statement like that, together with the dismissiveness in his tone definitely didn’t sit well with the team.
James had a meeting, first with Alex and then a long call with management, discussing his performance and behaviour towards the team.

Chapter 16: The one with the scrap, the news, and the babies

Summary:

Alex and Lance have a fight, George is getting some news, and the babies are born!

“The car is just not reliable in the rain. It’s barely able to get grip and it slides all over the place.” Alex said dismissively in the car, riding back to the track side hotel with Lance, Fernando, Yuki and Liam. They sat opposite to each other, Liam and Alex riding backwards. Liam raised an eyebrow at that statement, but didn’t say anything.
“Oh, shut up!” Yuki said loudly, having enough by now.
“What?!” Alex exclaimed.
“Your car is not complete shit! Stop behaving like it is! What is wrong with you? Liam has it under control! He’s faster than you! Better than you! Get a grip, Alex!” Yuki almost yelled.
“Seriously?!” Alex stared at Yuki.
“Yes! Seriously! Your driving sucks! I have no idea why and it’s not my problem, but it does! YOU are the problem, not the fucking car! Get a grip! I know you didn’t have a good time last year, but that’s no reason to behave and act like this! The car is okay! YOU are making it difficult! You aren’t giving any helpful input, you refuse all kind of stuff or constructive criticism! This crash was YOUR fault, no one elses! Get a grip before you’re killing someone on track!” Lance yelled and then sat back in his seat, looking out of the window, apparently done with his rant.
“Wow. With your behaviour it’s no wonder George didn’t want to have anything else than a quick fuck.” Alex said when they drove up to the hotel.

Lando, Pierre, Max, Charles, Ollie and Theo were still standing outside the hotel, seeing the car pull up. People were screaming inside, the door was ripped open and Lance jumped out, storming into the hotel. What pulled the attention away from him instantly though was a screaming, punching and kicking Yuki, pulled out and away from the car by Fernando and Liam, Alex getting out shortly after, his nose bloody and looking quite roughened up while walking into the hotel. No one followed him.
“Ooops” Pierre said after a little silence.
“What happened?” Lando asked Yuki, Fernando and Liam after Yuki calmed down a little, being silent now.
“He bullied Lance. I don’t like bullies.” Yuki said simply and walked into the hotel.
“The ride is two minutes long, what the hell happened?” Max now asked.
“Oh boy!” Liam let out, almost laughing out loud.
“Well … Alex complained that his car is apparently shit. Yuki and Lance yelled at him that he is actually the problem, not the car, to which Alex retaliated with a really low blow about Lance and George’s … celebration in Abu Dhabi last year. Yuki didn’t like that and started … defending his friends physically.”

“He beat up Alex?” Oscar screeched, sitting next to George on the couch, looking at Lando through their video call.
“Yep. At least he had a bloody nose and looked quite shaken up.” Lando said.
“But that’s not what happened. I mean, I’ll happily take the blame, but … that’s not what happened, why does he think that happened?” George stuttered “I need to call Lance.” He then said, getting up.

“Hey” George said a minute later.
“Hi, why are you calling?” Lance asked, trying to sound neutral, laying in his hotel bed, wrapped in some blankets.
“Lando told us about the thing with Alex … in the car.” George said.
“Oh, well … I don’t think I should feel very hurt by it, I’m the one pushing you away.” Lance said.
“Why, though?” George asked after a little silence.
“I just … it’s not easy and I’m not easy … it’s just … complicated.”
“I’ve got time.”
“It’s not a phone talk thing.”
“Okay. Do you want to talk about anything else?”
“Is it okay if I talk about this day? About racing and things?” Lance asked.
“Yes, it is.” George assured him.
“Well, our car did good. Not McLaren good, but good. There’s a lot of rain, the expectations for the weekend aren’t much better. We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.”
“Just stay safe, okay?”
“Fast and safe.”
“Fast and safe.” George agreed. They hung up shortly after.

It was raining all the way through third practice and then started picking up even more. Qualifying was postponed for two hours and then started on wets.
The top ten consisted of Logan on pole, followed by Lando, Max, Charles, Esteban, Fernando, Lewis, Lance, Yuki and Ollie. Liam started 13th, Alex on 20th.
The race started with a two-lap safety car, then a rolling start. As always, the rain neutralized a lot of the disadvantages on some cars, relying on the skill of the driver.

Zhou lost his grip in a puddle, smashing sideways into a barrier and calling for a safety car. Shortly after, Daniel and Alex collided, Alex unlapping himself. Alex reasoned with the bad vision during the rain. Daniel didn’t say anything to Alex, just looked on long enough to make sure he got out of his car and was fine, then turned around and left.
Charles managed to win his first race that day, battling with Lando for the last 5 laps, Logan shortly behind them. Lance ended in fourth, Max, Esteban, Ollie, Yuki, Pierre and Theo getting the rest of the points.
They had a party together in the evening, celebrating both Pierre’s and Theo’s first points of the season, as well as Charles’ first win.

When Lando arrived in London and his wifi was back, he got the news. The charges against George were dropped. Someone would come over tomorrow to take off the ankle brace. He arrived at home and walked into Oscar and George, both crying and hugging out of happiness, while George also apologized being happy about leaving them again soon, but they understood.

“George, George, wake up.” He was ripped out of his sleep in the middle of the night.
“Lando? What’s up?” he asked, tired and confused.
“Oscar started labour, we are going to the hospital. Could you call some people for us, I’m too nervous for that.” Lando asked with a nervous smile.
“Of course, do you guys need some help first?” he asked, getting up.
“Just the bag from our bedroom?” Lando asked, going into the hallway. Oscar was leaning against the wall, wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, looking nervous.
“Hey, it’s going to be alright.” George said to him.
“It’s a little early.” Oscar said.
“Yes, but the doctors said from the beginning that it’s going to be hard to estimate the time.” Lando tried to calm him.
“Yeah, but still.” Oscar said, taking Lando’s arm and let himself get guided down the stairs, George behind them with the two bags.
“Okay” George said, closing the trunk. “I’ll take care of the calls from the list, you just concentrate on yourself, alright? But update me if you have anything definite.” George said, hugging Oscar, who was sitting on the passenger seat, looking uncomfortable and groaning a little.
George started at the top of the list. Nicole. Quick statement. They are on the way to the hospital, Oscar had contractions, changes are following. Then Adam and Cisca, Max and Charles, Lando’s grandparents, Zak, Andrea, Ollie. He was through with the calls when Lando called him, sounding stressed. They couldn’t stop the contractions. They will get the babies tonight. George started calling again, Adam and Cisca getting into their car and Nicole getting dressed while Daniel looked for the first flight out.

“Alright, 5.43am, baby boy number one.” Oscar heard and felt a pull in his lower stomach. Even though his lower half was sedated, some things he still felt. It took a minute, then a red, whiny looking, but not screaming baby was laid down on his chest. “Does dad want to cut the cord?” the doctor asked and Lando took the scissors.
“James Adam Norris, our oldest.” Oscar said with a wide smile.
“Okay, we have to change now.” The doctor said and Lando handed James to a nurse to get checked, Oscar looking after him sadly. “Here is boy number two.” She said, laying him on his chest. Just as red, but way louder than his brother, almost making their ears ring.
“Jacob Simon Norris, he seems to be a little more like you.” Oscar said, tears flowing down his face.
“Maybe a little.” Lando said, cutting the umbilical cord.
“And your baby girl.” The doctor stated, handing the smallest baby to them. A little girl, looking grumpy and unhappy to have to leave the womb.
“Isabelle Nicole Norris.” Oscar stated the name again, while Lando cut the cord.
“They are so beautiful.” Lando let out, tears in his eyes.
“The most beautiful.” Oscar said, kissing him. It took the doctor a little bit to clean Oscar up and get the stitches in, Lando refusing to leave and tell his parents that the babies are here until they were done. Oscar was on his way to his room, the babies trailing in their beds behind him, when Lando quickly parted from them, going to get his parents.

They entered the half lit room a couple minutes later, Oscar laying in the bed, nursing. He waved at them tiredly but smiling. Adam and Cisca walked in cautiously, Lando hovering next to his mate and pups. Natural protective instinct. Adam left half an hour later, picking up an excited Nicole at the airport.
“What are their names?” Nicole asked, throwing her bag in the back of the car, meeting Adam in the pick-up lane. He looked at her in shock.
“I – I – I forgot to ask, I didn’t even ask, I’m so sorry.” Adam stuttered. Both Nicole and Adam were crying half an hour later after finding out the names of the babies. Oscar was by now done with nursing, napping a little while Lando laid next to him, holding Jacob while Adam and Nicole held the other babies. Cisca was in the hallway, making some calls and telling people about the babies being born.

They were released three days later, Cisca and Nicole having prepared their house for everything. Adam had to go back, work was calling. George had left to Monaco after visiting Oscar and the babies at the hospital.
They walked into the house, Oscar still slow on his feet, his stomach hurting. He went upstairs to their nest, additional blankets in different sizes laying ready at the bottom, Oscar started knotting and twisting them into baby nests immediately after sitting down in the main nest. They had changed both their beds in Woking and Monaco into California king size beds, building the baby nests in between them. The babies were swaddled up in blankets, all of them sleeping. Then Jacob and Isabelle fussed a little when they were moved from the car seat to the nest, but calmed down quickly.
Oscar also fell asleep shortly after, followed by Lando, who had been at the hospital with his family the whole time. Cisca closed the door and went downstairs, sitting down on the couch with Nicole.
“They are sleeping.” She stated.
“All of them?”
“Yeah, peacefully for once.”
“Very good, though, they need some sleep.”
Time flew by. Nights, days, whatever. The babies didn’t care and Oscar and Lando were never happier to have both Nicole and Cisca there. Daniel had stayed in Monaco, video calling with Nicole every day, together with the girls. She had to fly back on Tuesday afternoon, as Daniel had to leave for the Chinese Grand Prix on Wednesday, as did Lando. Leaving his mate and newborn triplets was the worst thing Lando had ever had to do and he was grumpy the whole flight.

 

Results of the Japanese Grand Prix:
1-LEC62
2-NOR93
3-SAR43
4-STR32
5-VER28
6-OCO52
7-BEA30
8-TSU18
9-GAS2
10-POU
11-HAM11
12-LAW1
13-ALO0
14-ANT6
15-HUL2
16-MSC2
17-BOT0
DNF-RIC1
DNF-ALB0
DNF-ZHO0

currently not starting: RUS19

Chapter 17: The one with the secret reveal

Summary:

George visits Lance in Monaco and finds out Lance's secret.
Max and Charles are giving us a glimpse.

George had flown to Monaco on Wednesday, a day after the triplets were born, going over to Lance’s after a quick stop at his own appartement. A two bedroom unit, not far from the other’s appartements.
“You do realize how unreal this is, right?” George asked, having stopped the car at the end of the driveway, where Pascal just finished planting some flowers.
“Every day.” She stated with a smile. “The door is open, just call out so nobody get’s a shock. Lance’s is on the top floor to the left.” She stated, starting to put together her things.
“Thank you” he said, walking into the mansion and calling out, hearing Lawrence and Lance call back from somewhere. He heard rapid little footsteps going on for what sounded like forever, then Arthur flew around the corner.

“Aww.” he let out, disappointed.
“What, you don’t like me?” George asked.
“I do, I just thought you were Charlie.” Arthur said.
“But he stayed in Japan, remember?”
“Yeah, I just thought he might have changed his mind.” Arthur said.
“Hey, he’ll be back after the race, less than two weeks from now.”
“I know, I’ll go back to play now.”
“Okay, bye Arthur.”
“Bye George” Arthur yelled, already running away.
“Hey, I thought you wanted to come over later?” Lance asked from the top of the stairs.
“Well, I thought about just sitting around in my appartement waiting an hour and it just didn’t seem like a fun thing to me.” George said while walking up to him. They hugged quickly and then went over to Lance’s appartement inside the mansion, Lance making some coffee.

“So, you saw the babies already, didn’t you?” Lance asked, setting a coffee mug in front of George.
“Yeah, yesterday, they are really sweet, but three … wow.” George said and chuckled “I don’t know if I’d be – shit.” He interrupted himself, having splashed most of the coffee down his shirt.
“Oh, don’t worry, my bedroom is to the right, just get a new shirt and leave that in the sink, I’ll wash it together with mine.” Lance said, taking some paper roll and wiping up the coffee.
“Alright, thanks.” George said, making his way over.
Lance dropped the paper roll in the trash, ripping his head up in shock “George wait!” he loudly yelled and sped over, but George stood already in his bedroom, staring at the nest. He turned around slowly.

“You’re an omega?” George asked, staring at Lance.
“I … Yes, I am.” Lance said, nervously fiddling with the hem of his shirt. George looked at the nest and then back at Lance.
“But I … when we were, I am sorry, I just lubed up and then-“
“Don’t. Everything was great.”
“Why do you hide it?”
“When I started racing … people always said that omegas won’t make it. Then they started judging me, saying I only got to race because my dad pays for it and then they said the only reason I’m in F1 is that my dad owns the team … if they would know I’m an omega … I never wanted anyone to think that the only way an omega can be successful at racing is if their father buys a team.”
“But … Charles is on the grid now. There is no reason to hide anymore.”
“It’s his thunder. It belongs to him. I’m happy the way it is. The comments will never stop. I live with them, I don’t care about that. But if I walk up and show them my omega, media will explode and I will be pranced around like a show horse. The real first omega in F1 and shit like that. I don’t want that. I just want to race. That’s it.”
“So, you just hide … everything?” George asked.
“Well, Pascal, Charles and Arti know of course, as well as Max. Fernando and Sebastian know as well. I think Oscar senses that I’m not an alpha or at least that I’m not telling the truth about something, but he doesn’t ask.”
“So, you want to tell me, that in the whole world … only seven people even including your dad know that you are an omega?!” George asked, still in shock.
“I got pretty good at hiding it. Although for very long just … staying away was my way of hiding. That’s what most likely painted the picture of me thinking I’m above all of you.” He mocked some of the reporters with a chuckle. George looked at him softly, Lance’s laugh and smile slowly dropped “It’s not always fun.”
“Come here” George said, pulling Lance close and wrapping him in his arms, pressing a kiss on his head “Maybe we can share some of that weight?” George whispered after a minute.
“Are you sure you want that?”
“Do you think I would have followed you around all these months if I wasn’t sure?”
“I’m just … an omega is not what you were after.”
“I was after YOU. Not an alpha or an omega or whatever. Just you. Or did you act during all the talks we had last year as well?”
“No, I didn’t.” Lance said, looking at him.
“Good” George said with a smile and they kissed until they heard a little ‘blegh’ from the door. Arthur.

“What are you doing here?” Lance asked with a laugh.
“Mummy made dinner. She wants to know if you two are going to eat with us.” Arthur said. Lance looked at George, who just shrugged.
“Alright then, let’s have dinner.”
“Race for the seat?” Arthur asked.
“Go!” Lance said and the two ran out of the room and down the hallway. George was startled for a moment, then tried to keep up with them. He ended up back downstairs in the foyer, not knowing his way any further.

“George?” Arthur yelled from somewhere a little later.
“I actually don’t know my way around here!” George also yelled; hearing Arthur run back. He flew into the foyer, pulling George by his hand, first through a dining room, which had double doors to a huge living area, through another double door into the kitchen and then onto the terrace to the back of the mansion. “This place is a maze.” George exclaimed without much thought.
“The downstairs is all walk through. If you keep walking you will always get back to the foyer at some point, except you’re going to the garage. Upstairs are two wings, one is Lance’s, the other one is either complete dark wood, that’s my office, lighter coloured rooms are bedrooms and if you see anything resembling Ferrari, it’s Arti’s room.” Lawrence explained, placing a plate with chicken on the table “You want a beer, wine or we have strawberry soda?”
“Soda?”
“How about you?” Lawrence asked Lance.
“I’ll share with Arti.” Lance said, already holding a glass in place while Arthur carefully poured the strawberry soda in, both hands on the big bottle, tongue between his teeth. Pascal joined them outside a little later, bringing an extra plate and cutlery for George, Lawrence joining them shortly after, bringing a bottle of wine.

“Alright” Pascal said as they sat down “As there is nothing wrapped up or in sauce or whatever, everything is self-explanatory. Dig in, boys!”
Lawrence sat at the head of the table, filling Pascal’s and his glasses with wine. Pascal sat to his left, followed by Arthur. Lance sat to the right, next to George. They had salted potatoes, broccoli with sliced almond, carrots, chicken breast and some bread.
“Rence? Can I have some bread?” Arti asked, stretching his hand over the table.
“Sure” Lawrence said, holding the basket to Arthur, then to George “You okay?” Lawrence asked him when George just looked at the bread.
“Y – Y – Yeah, sorry.” George said, quickly taking a piece of bread.
“I didn’t try to force you to eat bread. It would be alright if you don’t want to.” Lawrence said with a smile.
“Oh, no, you don’t it’s just … I didn’t expect it like this.” George said waving over the table a little. The vegetables stood on the table in the pots they were cooked in, the chicken was put together in a pan.
“Yeah, I’m sorry, the fine dining dishes and silverware are still dirty from lunch … that new housekeeper we have is terrible.” Lance said, his voice dripping with sarcasm before the back of his head was slapped slightly. “It was a joke!” he said to his father.
“Not a good one.” Lawrence said.
“I think the first half was a good joke. I changed the laundry to the tumbler, by the way.” Pascal said, eating some broccoli and staring directly at Lance “Seems like the maid didn’t do a good job either.”
“I would have changed it later.” Lance tried to excuse himself, Pascal just raised an eyebrow “Thank you” Lance said and smiled at her.

“It still feels so … unreal.” Charles said, laying in the nest in their hotel room in Shanghai. They decided against flying back in between the races in Asia, doing a kind of round trip with Penelope.
“What? That you are a Grand Prix winner?”
“Yeah. I mean, I knew it could happen. I thought I had the skill and the talent. I just … I didn’t dare to really believe that it would really happen. Does that make sense?”
“Well, not for me, but … I learned a lot from you about how it is to be an omega in racing … you know I won’t say that I understand, but I think I can imagine that … if people just tell you that you can’t do something for years, you might believe it after a while, or at least a part of it.” Max said softly, pushing a strand of hair off Charles forehead before kissing him softly. They heard some swishing and ruffling against the door. Penelope will open it in a couple seconds. She was stretching up to reach the doorknob. She peaked in a couple seconds later, seeing her dad smile and wave at her. She ran over with a smile, almost falling in her long night shirt, carrying her plush bunny.
“Hey, sweety. Didn’t think you’d be awake this soon.” Max said and lifted Penelope in between them. P just grumbled something intelligible and dropped over in a second, falling back asleep.
“Well, we should be happy she didn’t fall asleep against the door.” Charles said. “We wouldn’t be able to get out until she woke back up.”
“And you would complain about being trapped in a bedroom with me?”
“No, not really.”

Chapter 18: The one with the feeding, the friend and the fluttering

Summary:

Lando and Oscar are facetiming, Pierre finds out some things about Yuki, and there is a fight for the win of the Chinese GP.

“What’s with the grumpy face? You had really good times.” Andrea asked Lando when he came to the 2nd post-practice meeting.
“He called home and only his mum answered because Oscar and the babies were sleeping.” Kimi informed them, walking in behind Lando.
“I just wanted to talk for a minute.” Lando complained.
“Hey, he needs all the sleep he can get. The babies are going to kill him otherwise. Having one baby at a time is tough, if I imagine that times three? It’s … mind blowing. And it’s a really good thing that your mum is there.” Kimi said when Lando’s phone pinged “See, there are the pictures.” Kimi said and Lando scrolled through them, seeing Oscar and the babies asleep. The babies swaddled up, Oscar looking exhausted, even in his sleep, deep circles under his eyes.
“Okay, now to a more work-related topic” Andrea started, forcing Lando’s eyes away from his phone.

Oscar and the boys were awake when Lando was back at the hotel, eating dinner while streaming them, Oscar feeding a bottle to James.
“We mixed it. Always about a third breast milk and then top it with formula, I’m just not producing enough for them. My lactation consultant said it might not have been enough even for one.” Oscar said, a little sad.
“Hey, baby, it’s okay, none of that is your fault and they still all get some breast milk, all of the benefits and nutrients.”
“I know, I know. It’s just … I really wanted to breast feed completely, at least for the first months.”
“I know. This might not be the perfect situation you dreamed of … but they still all get some of your breast milk. They get additional nutrients from the formula and they are not the first babies who are getting formula. Penelope never had any breast milk and she is great.”
“Well, that was a very different situation.” Oscar said.
“Yeah, I’m still so glad that everything went so smoothly with you.” Lando said with a smile.
“Yeah, me too.” Oscar said.
“How are you feeling?” Lando asked “Really feeling?”
“I’m tired. Just like … just exhausted. I don’t know what I would do without Cisca. She’s shopping right now, already did two loads of laundry, cleaned and disinfected all the bottles and swept the floors downstairs, because she was scared vacuuming would wake us up. My stomach still hurts. I’m always wearing this wrapping thing, the doctor said the scar is looking good, they pulled the stitches yesterday.”
“I thought they wanted to wait until after the weekend?” Lando asked surprised.
“Yes, but she said it looked very healed already and leaving them in would make removing them even harder and it would also heighten the risk for infection. I still have a bandage on top though, just in case.” Oscar explained, now burping James.

“Yeah, this is freedom.” George said, standing in the garage and throwing his head back.
“It’s good to have you back.” Esteban said with a smile, slapping his back.
“It’s good to be back.” George said “I would have gotten really fat at home.”
“Really?” Esteban asked.
“Really. The first week out, all I was eating was cake, cookies, sweets, whatever.”
“I don’t think I’d hate that.” Esteban said.
“I didn’t hate it either, but it definitely wasn’t good.”
“A little slip up.” Esteban said, shrugging “Come on, training is starting.”

“Duuh dudu du dudu duduuuh DUDUDUH!“ Yuki let out.
“Yuki, we all love you and yes, the Asian continent is called the yellow one, but you do realize you’re not a cartoon character, right?” his engineer asked during third practice.
“Oh, sorry guys, I didn’t realize the line was open.” Yuki said.
“That your favourite cartoon?”
“Not really, but it doesn’t work with Mario and Luigi.” Yuki answered and his engineer laughed “Okay, Bruno is wiggling his finger again, your pace is good, keep it through the long run.”
“He’s really good.” Pierre said, standing next to his car, getting some adjustments done while he studied the data with his engineer.
“Yes, he is. He really helped with the update and prepping for the new floor board.”
“What?”
“Yeah, he asked around, stayed in development, gave feedback. He’s a really great guy. He was the right choice.” His engineer said to him with a smile, then turned back to the screen.

“Are you here alone?!” Pierre almost screeched, seeing Yuki lift some weights at the hotel gym the next morning.
“Yes, I am.”
“You’re training on your own accord?”
“Yes, well, kind of. I want to beat Max, I have to train better than Max if I want to beat him and my size is giving me a disadvantage regarding muscles and height already.” Yuki said, continuing his training.
“Huh” Pierre let out and went to the spinning bikes, starting a fast and steady pace.
“What does huh mean?” Yuki asked after his setting.
“You changed.”
“I did a little, yes.”
“Why?” Pierre let slip out.
“Because I finally want to win, Pierre!” Yuki said “I’m still lazy. Do I enjoy this? Not completely. I enjoy other things more. But I want to win. I want to beat Max and Lando and Charles and everyone else. I won’t be able to do that if I don’t do whatever I can to achieve that.”
“That was a big speech.”
“It was the truth.” Yuki said, starting another setting. Pierre watched him a little bit while doing his own training. Yuki was done earlier, but the work out he did was definitely a hard one.
He saw him again for breakfast, sitting at a table with Maya and Bruno. Pierre sat down with them, having filled his plate with some eggs, bread, a waffle, cheese and a smoothie. Yuki’s plate held the rest of some sunny side up eggs and some rye bread with turkey breast. There were also two bowls, one oatmeal with banana and blueberry, the other some mixed fruits, mostly melon, orange and apples, with some seeds sprinkled over them. Maya had cinnamon oatmeal and pancakes with fruit. Bruno seemed to be eating a little bit of everything.
“So, you eat fruit now, too?” Pierre asked.
“Yep. It’s pretty good, depending on how you actually make it. I don’t like melon and pears, but mixed in with the citrus and the seeds, I barely taste them anymore!” Yuki said with a smile.

“So guys, you all know this is a very special race for Lando.” Andrea said with a wide smile “He got his first win here last year, let’s make it a regular thing, won’t we?!” and they all cheered.
Lando started from pole, Max next to him, Ollie, Esteban and George with a great comeback behind.
They had misaligned the car again, using the data from last year, together with the data from training.

“Norris blew a tire, he’s 4.8 seconds ahead, one more lap to go!” Max got the news through the intercom, about half way down the circuit. He sped up the car. Ollie was in between them, Max was in third. He wanted this win. He didn’t get one, yet. He saw them racing, one behind the other, down the main straight. Ollie stayed behind. Teams orders. Max thought.
“Norris blew a tire, he’s going to slow down.” Ollie heard his engineer.
“Is he going to box?”
“No, we will pull it through, we want to get some points. Free for overtake on main straight.”
“Are you sure?” Ollie asked “I can defend, Lando can’t.” there was a little silence.
“Your choice, Ollie.” Ollie swallowed.
“I’ll defend. We’ll get a double podium today.”
“Lando, push but be careful, the tire is deflating.” Lando heard his engineer.
“Overtake on the straight?” Lando asked.
“No. Push to the win. Team mates orders.”
“Are you sure?” Lando asked.
“Yes, push forward but stay safe.” His engineer Will said. Lando did. He was slower than before, the tire loosing pressure by the second, letting his car loose grip and speed. Ollie fell back just a little bit behind him, creating a little more space.
Ollie was sweating and panting heavily. Max was behind him. He had him in his mirrors. Close. Big. Right behind him. He tried to overtake in every single turn, but Ollie fought, on the line of a dirty fight.

“What are they doing?” Bottas asked on the intercom. Lando had just overtaken him, his right rear fluttering around loosely, the tire barely holding on. The overtake was slow, but the blue flag had been waved. Then he saw the other McLaren coming up, faster than Lando, but seemingly trying to slow at the same time. He was irritated for a moment, then he saw the red and black front wing of a Redbull desperately trying to get past Ollie. “Oh, a team game.” He went to the side, not interfering. Ollie fought hard and well, keeping Max behind him, Max even locking his tires in the next corner.
“That was naughty!” Max exclaimed, talking about Ollie’s quite harsh cut off, making Max lock up.
“Don’t get dirty, Max.” GP said calmly.
“I won’t, but this is my spot.” Max said sternly. They went through turn 10, Ollie cutting him off again, Max swallowing down a swear. They raced down the straight and then went into the turn, Max getting very nervous. They would reach the main straight after this. He saw a chance, overtake on the outside. He floored his pedal, but in the split of a second, he got too close to Ollie’s left rear tire, his right front getting lifted. “Shit!” he yelled out, his car turning over and sliding out of the corner, gravel, more gravel, even more gravel, and then a smash into the barriers. “I’m so fucking sorry guys.” Max said before anyone could even ask if he was alright.
Ollie saw Max in his mirror. He will overtake him on the outside. He swore himself, but a third was still a podium and Lando was too far ahead by now. Then he felt a thump and something stopped his left rear tire, letting his car slip and slide around a little before he could get it back under control, speeding out of the corner and down the main straight. Loads of dust behind him. No Max. “Where did Max go?” Ollie asked surprised while crossing the line.
“He touched your left rear and crashed into the barrier.“
“Is he okay?”
“He is fine. Very well done, Ollie, congratulations on your first podium!” Ollie celebrated with them, pulling up and next to Lando, but Lando had to stop his car a couple turns later, his tire now completely ripped apart. Ollie drove the rest around and stopped in his 2nd spot, George stopping in 3rd a couple seconds later.

Ollie got out of the car and congratulated George before running over to his team, meeting Lando there as well who was brought there by a marshall on a moped.
“What a comeback, bud! You really deserve it!” Lando hugged George in the driver’s room.
“Oh man, I couldn’t wish for a better result, even though the podium is luck only.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Ollie said “I was so far from third.” He held his thumbs half a centimetre apart.
“What happened, anyway, it just saw him slide away.” George asked, rubbing his face with a towel.
“Oh, there it is.” Lando exclaimed, pointing at the screen. They saw Max going to the outside, his car just missing a centimetre or something to pass by Ollie. Max’s front tire touched Ollie’s rear tire and was lifted up and out of the turn, sliding over the gravel and into the barrier. “Ooops”
“Small mistake, huge outcome.” George said.
“I was just happy I didn’t lose the car.” Ollie said.
“Oh yeah.” Lando nodded and slapped his shoulder.
The rest of the points were taken by Logan, Esteban, Charles, Lewis, Lance, Yuki and Daniel.

Results of the Chinese GP, numbers behind the name are the total championship points:

1-NOR118
2-BEA48
3-RUS34
4-SAR55
5-OCO62
6-LEC70
7-HAM17
8-STR36
9-TSU20
10-RIC2
11-ALO0
12-ANT6
13-GAS2
14-LAW1
15-HUL2
16-MSC2
17-ZHO0
18-BOT0
19-ALB0
DNF-VER28

reserve driver/currently not racing:
POU1

Chapter 19: The one with the packages

Summary:

Lando asks Ollie something about Lewis before travelling home.
Yuki visits the factory in Enstone and Pierre and Kika are talking about him.

“I have to ask you one thing, though, now that we are finally alone.” Lando started in the car back to the hotel, looking at Ollie “You and Lewis … what? How? And don’t lie to me, Oscar asks for the report.”
“Truth? I think I … kind of wore him down?” Ollie said and asked at the same time.
“Huh?” Lando asked.
“I invited him, he said no, I asked again, he said no, repeat a couple of times and then he agreed.”
“Oh my, you really wore him down. And is it true? What you say about … you know?” Lando asked with a wide smile.
“What?” Ollie asked confused.
“Well, you know … black guys and their … packages.”
“LANDO!”
“What?! I’m curious and it’s going to be the next question Oscar asks me.”
“Well actually, I don’t know?”
“Why? You don’t have anything to compare?”
“That as well. We also never … I didn’t see him yet.” Ollie said.
“Oh, alright. Really not even a glimpse or something?”
“Not even a glimpse.”
“Okay” Lando said and looked out of the window for a bit “You can stop me at any moment, but … why not?”
“I’m not ready for that yet.” Ollie mumbled, looking down.
“There is nothing wrong with that.” Lando said.
“Still, it feels sometimes … I pursued him like a maniac and now I’m not putting out.”
“Did he say that?”
“No, of course not! He would never say that!” Ollie said defensively.
“Then he doesn’t have a problem with it.”
“He says I can take all the time I need. That there is a huge step between realizing you love someone and want to be with them and then really … giving yourself to them.”
“He’s a good one.” Lando said, smiling at Ollie “But you can still tell him that I will kill him if he hurts you.” He added and Ollie laughed.

Lando took a plane back to Europe with Max and Charles, switching in Nice to get to London, while the others went to Monaco. He stood in the doorframe of their bedroom, watching Oscar and their pups sleep. Oscar didn’t look as tired anymore, but the exhaustion was still visible.
“They are still sleeping.” Lando said to his mum, coming into the living room.
“That’s good.” Cisca said, folding some cloth diapers “He didn’t get more than two hours at a time until now.”
“You look pretty good for that.” Lando said, starting on some onesies in the laundry basket.
“I’m drinking coffee like a maniac and I’m more tanned, so the bags aren’t as visible under my eyes. And the wrinkles help.”
“You don’t have wrinkles, stop talking like that.”
“I am starting to get wrinkles, Lando. I’m almost fifty now, it’s normal.”
“So, over all they are, okay?” Lando asked.
“Yes, they are. The pups eat like crazy. Oscar was really disappointed about the extra formula, but it’s okay for him now. We had the first vaccinations today, we tried our best, but they really didn’t like those. Oscar is finally good to move, the scar looks great. You should lay down with them.” Cisca told him.
“Shouldn’t I help you with something?” Lando asked, looking around.
“No. This was the last laundry. We have a break now. Go and join the nest.” Cisca encouraged him with a smile.

Lando went back upstairs, changing his jeans into sweatpants and laid down in the nest. James just started to mewl a little, Lando hushing silently and rubbing his stomach softly, the baby calming down quickly. Oscar watched Lando calming James down, smiling at his mate.
“Hey, I’m sorry I woke you.” Lando whispered.
“It’s all good. Congrats on the win.” Oscar whispered, lifting himself to kiss Lando.
“Thank Ollie when you see him.”
“I will do that, too. Did you ask him?”
“Of course, I did. Ollie kind of wore him down, apparently asking multiple times before Lewis agreed to go out with him … and … he can’t say anything about the package, yet, as he didn’t see it.”
“He didn’t jump him?”
“No. He says he isn’t ready and Lewis doesn’t push.”
“Of course not, it’s Lewis.” Oscar said and quickly checked if the babies were still sleeping “A couple more gifts arrived, a lot of helpful things, I think we’ll drown in onesies, though. I started writing thank you notes, they just need your signature. And … there is … Carlos sent a little package as well, I didn’t open it yet.” Oscar whispered, pulling a package from under the bed.
C. Sainz, 23 Bear Creek Drive, Bear Creek 78737, TX, USA.

“Do you want to open it?” Lando asked.
“Well, I don’t think it’s something harmful, I just didn’t want to open it without you.” Oscar said and Lando pulled open the latch of the package. It had a present wrapped in paper with bunnies on it, as well as a letter, again apologizing for last year, wishing them all the best, and writing that he doesn’t expect them to forgive him. They ripped open the paper and there were three sets falling out, in varying green colours. Socks, a hat and a onesie in each set. “That is really nice from him, I didn’t expect that.”
“Yeah, me neither.” Lando said, laying the presents back in the box and setting it on the nightstand. He turned back around to Oscar, seeing that he was back asleep.

Lando started nodding off as well when this time Isabelle woke up, but didn’t settle down again. He quickly picked her up and carried her downstairs.
“Yeah, it’s about feeding time.” Cisca said, filling a bottle and putting it into the milk heater.
“That is enough? Doesn’t she need more?” Lando asked, seeing the bottle only about a third filled.
“That is enough. It is better for her stomach and she is a baby, Lando, her stomach is about the size of a big apricot.”
“Oh, right, of course.” Lando said, taking the bottle from his mother before sitting down on the couch, holding Isabelle against his chest and starting to feed her.

“Okay, now just some water” Laurent said, taking a water can “And then put the soil back on.” He guided Logan while Esteban and Sabrina watched. Logan piled the soil back on, building up a little around the trunk.
“I planted a tree!” Logan yelled at Esteban “Well … we planted a tree.”
“YOU planted a tree.” Laurent insisted, slapping his shoulder with a smile. Esteban hugged Logan tightly and kissed him, looking at the newly planted cherry tree.

Yuki was under their engine in the factory, asking an engineer questions about it.
“Okay, thank you for all of that, I still don’t get all of it, but still … thank you.” Yuki said, sliding back out on the board.
“Well, it would be terrible for me if you would understand everything. I have a master’s degree, studied this stuff for six years.”
“Oh, yeah, I think it’s okay I don’t get everything. Which college did you go to?”
“MIT” the engineer said, getting up from the board and sorting away the tools he used.
“Wow” Yuki said, thanking him again and then made his way to someone else.

They were trying to adjust the sidepods. “Why do you even need them? Stupidly asked.”
“What?”
“Why need them? I mean … if you compare our cars to regular street cars … they don’t have any side pods, they are just flat.”
“True, but they are closed wheel cars. Due to the tires being outside of the frame at an F1 car, the air is getting … swirled around, kind of. The sidepod is … there to kind of guide the air away in a way … that it doesn’t disturb the balance of the car? Is that understandable?” a guy from the aerodynamics team said.
“I think so. The air is getting messed up by the front wheel, the sidepod tries to make it right again so the car moves fluent.”
“Something like that, yes.”
“Oh, okay. How do you know … how the air moves and should move? I mean, is it all a software for testing?”
“The first step, yes, we can’t build a thousand different sidepods and test them all, that would be an insane amount of money and really bad for the environment, as well. We have this programme.” She said and quickly showed it to him.

“So, how did it go?” Maya asked when Yuki came in. He turned around, looking at her with wide eyes.
“I don’t know how they do that. They think so much … they have to analyze and stuff all the time, all day long … my head would explode.” Yuki said and Maya laughed “How did it go for you?”
“Well, my new book made it into the top twenty, best result of all of my books, yet. My publisher is asking for three more books, but I’ve got a year until I have to hand in the next manuscript.”
“That sounds amazing!” Yuki said, sitting down next to her on the couch and giving her a kiss. “You want to go out for dinner?”
“There was a voucher in the newspaper for that new Italian place down the street.” Maya suggested and Yuki quickly called, they still had a table available. They allowed dogs as well, as long as they fit under the table. Boot went with them, curling up under the table on a little blanket they brought from home. Bruschetta and vitello tonnato to share, followed by lasagna for Maya and pasta carbonara for Yuki.
“Well, there goes my carb to veggie ratio for the day.” Yuki said with a smile.
“We’re pulling up cheat Wednesday.” Maya said with a wink.

“Yuki is so different now, so … involved and driven and … grown up.” Pierre tried to explain to Kika while watching Tony more smash and wipe his banana and halved grapes over his face than eating them.
“Well, you are different, too.” Kika said.
“Yes, it’s just … I never really thought he would? He was always funny, swearing little Yuki. He is still funny and swearing, but … he developed this … drive.”
“And you don’t like that?” Kika asked, a little bit confused.
“Oh no, I like it, it’s just … I didn’t expect it.”
“Maybe he feels free in Alpine. He joined not because Honda provides engines or whatever. Of course he has big sponsors, but still. He asked and they wanted him. From the beginning, maybe that also changed a little of his mind. I don’t know how it was at RB, but I can imagine that there were quite a few people thinking he was only there because of Honda and that he didn’t actually deserve to be there.”
“Yeah, probably. There were some side comments here and there, but of course I didn’t get everything and it was different for me, I wasn’t the target.”
“Maybe ask him?”
“Maybe, yeah.” Pierre said and Tony let out a loud screech, followed by the half empty bowl flying through the kitchen. “I guess you are done eating?” Pierre asked and Tony smiled widely, clapping his hands and babbling something to himself.
“Okay, you bath him and I will take care of the kitchen?” Kika asked.
“Alright.” Pierre agreed, wrestling Tony out of the high chair and carrying him to the bathroom, holding him on stretched out arms, away from his body, which apparently delighted Tony even more.

Chapter 20: The one with the dances, the news and the children

Summary:

A little glimpse into an evening with George, Lance and Arthur, a conversation between Oscar and Logan, Landoscar are having some alone time before receiving some visitors, and Oscar receives shocking news from Daniel.
On top of that, a little bit of Alex.

“Is it weird that I always dreamed of this?” Lance asked into George’s chest. They stood in Lance’s living room, swaying from side to side, soft, classic, violin music playing in the background.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I mean … we’re just kind of dancing in the living room. There is way weirder stuff than that.” George said, kissing his hair “Or what do you think?” he then asked Arti, who sat on the couch, already in his pyjama, kicking his legs while holding his stuffed Lightning McQueen to his chest.

“It is weird. And it looks happy. It looks good.” Arti said, a little bit confused.
“So, it’s okay?” Lance asked, looking at him with a smile.
“Arti?” Pascal said from the door “Shouldn’t you be in bed, already?”
“But … just a little longer.” Arti begged.
“You already got a little longer twice, sweety.” Pascal said, holding her hand towards him and Arti got up with a huff and walked over to his mum, walking out of the room.
“Good night, Arti!” George and Lance said.
“Night, night.”
“He really is a sweety.” Lance said to George.
“Yeah, he is.” George said and Lance yawned “Ohoh, seems like Arti isn’t the only one who needs to go to bed.” He smirked.

“Hey, everything good?” Sam asked Alex while clearing the plates.
“Yeah, it’s okay.” Alex said, not sounding really happy “It’s just … I don’t know. I just feel generally down. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, it seems to go wrong somehow.”
“It’s going to be okay.” Sam said to him, hugging him softly “There will be an upgrade for the next race and then you can build up on that.”
“Yeah” Alex agreed half-heartedly “Lance said something the other day.”
“What? What did he say?”
“That I will kill someone if I keep driving like this.”
“Lance Stroll said that to you?!”
“Yes.”
“You are not a terrible driver, Alex! It is not on you! Always remember that! And don't mind anything that Lance dude says, he's just trying to get to you, why do you think he stalks George?” Sam said sternly.
“I know, I'll ... stand above it.” Alex assured him.

“Hi, what’s up?” Lando asked into the phone.
“Hey, uhm, do you have a moment?” Logan asked.
“Sure”
“Okay, here’s the thing … I’ve got some sponsorship thing after qualifying in Miami and … uhm … well, after everything that happened last year, I just wanted to tell you. We are visiting the Nasfinity track. We are probably going to meet Carlos.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Is it?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well … you know.”
“Yes, I do know. He sent a gift, maybe you could bring him the thank you card?” Lando asked.
“Of course” Logan said and they hung up shortly after.
“What happened?” Oscar asked, sitting on the couch.
“Logan called. He has some kind of sponsor thing and they are going to visit Nasfinity. I think he was kind of scared that I would be mad or something.”
“Oh, he really worries about getting on people’s bad side, doesn’t he?” Oscar smirked.
“A little, yes.” Lando agreed and sat down next to Oscar, his head falling on Oscar’s shoulder “How do you do this? I’m so damn tired.”
“You sleep whenever and wherever you can, baby.” Oscar said, kissing Lando’s hair. “The babies also train you for that.” Oscar said and heard a soft snore. “I don’t have three babies, I have four.” Oscar smirked.

“Yes?” he asked, sounding cautious and a little bit suspicious.
“Hi Oscar, it’s Carlos.” Carlos said.
“Yes, I didn’t delete your number.” Oscar said, not much emotion in his voice “Why are you calling?”
“Uhm, I got an invitation for Friday, to visit the F1 paddock and watch the trainings.”
“Okay. Why are you telling me that?” Oscar asked, sounding confused.
“Well, I’m not actually telling you, I wanted to ask if it would be okay for me to go. Of course I wasn’t invited by McLaren, but I … I just wanted for you to be okay with this.”
“Uhm, okay. Which team invited you?”
“Andretti. Apparently, my team owner Judd knows Mario from like … way back.”
“Ah, okay, well then, feel free to go.”
“Really?”
“Yes” Oscar said “I will … I will tell the others that you are coming, though.”
“Of course. Could you also please tell them that if they don’t want me to be there, they can message me today. I have to call them back tomorrow about the invitation.”
“I will let Lando put something in the group. Thank you for the gift, by the way.” Oscar said, his voice still a little stiff.
“Of course. Are you guys good?”
“Yes, we are. We travelled back to Monaco yesterday, so we are only half unpacked. Cisca stayed with me since the birth and she went with us, but I wanted to be close to my mum as well.”
“That’s understandable I guess.” Carlos said and then there was some silence “I think this is a good moment to hang up. I am really happy for you guys.”
“Congratulations on the 9th place, finally back in the top ten, huh?”
“Yeah, we are really happy about that. You watched the race?”
“No, we watched a best of after Logan told us that you got 9th. He watches Nasfinity when he has the time. He said something about having to be careful with that Wright guy, though.”
“Really? Why?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t say any more.”
“Okay, thank you, Oscar. Goodbye.”
“Bye, Carlos.” Oscar said and hung up.

“Okay, I will think of something.” Lando said, carrying the basket of clean onesies into the baby’s rooms. They would still stay in their nest for the time, though. “How about this: Hey guys, we just got a call from Carlos. He got invited by Haas to the Miami paddock for Friday. If anyone has anything against it, you are free to contact him directly, and he will deny the invitation.”
“Sounds good.” Oscar said, pushing a tray into the oven and Lando sent the message into the group.

“What are you making?” Lando asked.
“Some stuff for you to take. The US is big on convenience stuff and I don’t want you to come back five pounds heavier. We’ve got some oatmeal cookies and energy balls, I will also make some sweet potato and lentil snacks, they are a trial run for Eighty1.”
“So, I’m your guinea pig.” Lando said with a smile.
“You always were my guinea pig.” Oscar said, kissing Lando. Lando wrapped his arms around Oscar, pulling him close. Oscar pushed his hands under Lando’s shirt and they heard a cry through the baby phone.
“The smallest cock blocker in the world.” Lando mumbled against Oscar’s neck.
“Just wait a little, maybe she’ll settle herself.” Oscar said, kissing Lando again. Isabelle calmed down within the next minute, falling back asleep. “See?”
“Okay. It just hurts me a little, hearing her cry.” Lando said, lifting up Oscar’s shirt “No binding today?” he asked surprised.
“I took it off for a bit, I’ll put it back on for bed later.” Oscar said, pulling off Lando’s shirt and opening his belt.
“Finally I can properly look you in the eyes again while entering you.” Lando smiled, sliding in slowly.
“Yeah, I really missed this.” Oscar agreed, wrapping his arms around Lando’s neck, balancing himself on the kitchen counter. Lando started a fast rhythm, bringing Oscar to orgasm pretty quickly.

They laid on the couch, wrapped in a blanket after a second round, cuddling. “Oh damn, the cookies!” Oscar suddenly said, running over to the oven “Okay, they are a little darker than I would like them, but it’s okay.” He said, pulling them out. Lando chuckled and then heard a baby cry.
“I don’t think this one will settle again.” Lando said while pulling on his clothes.
“No, it’s feeding time again.” Oscar said, turning on the bottle warmer and taking some new bottles.
“Okay, maybe you find some clothes and I’ll get the crowd.” Lando said and Oscar looked down his body, still naked.

“Oops” Oscar laughed “Thank god your mum is asleep.”
“She’s not asleep. She settled the babies until they were too hungry. Are you dressed now?” they heard Cisca from around the corner, a smile sounding in her voice.
“One second.” Oscar said loudly while Lando turned beet red “Okay, now.” He said and Cisca came around the corner, carrying James already.
“Why didn’t you say you were awake?” Lando asked.
“Because the two of you deserve some couple’s times. And as you don’t want me to go out with them for an hour, I’ll do my best to support this love at home.” Cisca smiled, looking at Lando “Come on, I was young once, too, you know? Still am if your dad is around.” She then added, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Eww, mum! It’s enough to just think that your parents some twenty something years ago did it, I don’t want to know more than that!”
“Oh really?!” Oscar asked, setting the bottles in the warmer “So, it is alright for you and the guys to joke about Daniel and my mum, but as soon as YOUR mum just mentions that they are doing what married couples do, it’s eww and uncomfortable?”
“Well, that’s … that’s … that’s different.” Lando stuttered and quickly walked off to get Isabelle and Jacob. Cisca and Oscar shared a laugh until Lando came back, Cisca taking Jacob from Lando, all three of them starting to feed the babies.
“My mum is coming tomorrow; the girls are eager to meet the babies.” Oscar said while burping Isabelle.
“Max and P want to have a look as well, but they promised not to stay too long.” Lando said.

The first to arrive the next day were Max and a scrambling P at his hand, wanting to storm into the appartement and meet the babies. Max had brought a huge plate of fruit, together with a bag of old toys and other things from P he had promised them.
“Yes, okay, let’s see the babies.” Max said, rolling his eyes, covering up his own eagerness to see the new additions. They were in a flat day nest in the living room next to the couch, close to the window, but protected from the sun by an almost sheer curtain.

“Aww” P cooed, crawling to them and staring at the babies.
“This is Isabelle, James and that’s Jacob.” Oscar pointed out the babies, sitting next to the nest, which was built on a half-sized mattress. The babies were sleeping, but Isabelle seemed to just wake up, yawning and crunching up her face, stretching out her little arms. P put her hand to Isabelle’s, who instantly closed her fingers around the hand. P looked at Oscar with an open mouth, mesmerized by the baby. “Looks like she likes you.” Oscar said to P and she smiled widely. There was a knock on the door a couple minutes later, Max sitting on the couch with Lando, Oscar and Cisca, P still laying next to the mattress, staring at the babies. Nicole and Daniel. Julia and Chloe were in school or daycare and would arrive after school ended.

“But why did you name one of them Adam after all?” Daniel asked “And not one of them is called Daniel, Daniella or Danielle?”
“Because he is my husband’s father and you are just some dude getting into my mum’s pants.” Oscar said with a smirk. Max laughed loudly.
“Wow!” Daniel said, fake offended and clutching his chest “I’m feeling deeply hurt by this! You make me feel like being no member of this family at all!”
“Well, did you finally make my mum an honourable woman and mate her?” Oscar asked and took a sip of his tea.
“No, she doesn’t want me to.” Daniel said, plopping down next to him and Oscar spit out the tea, all onto Lando’s chest, who sat next to him.

“Huh?!” Oscar asked while Lando tried drying his shirt with some napkins.
“She doesn’t want me to. She prefers to live in sinful bliss with a handsome bachelor.” Daniel said, not making the situation any better. He saw Max shaking his head behind Lando and Oscar, looking at Daniel, but it was too late.
“YOU ASKED HER?!” Oscar yelled, making the babies squirm.
“Well, yes, of course.” Daniel said, looking confused “I thought that … it would be kind of clear where I want to go with this when I started staying overnight? And then with the girls when your mum was with you after the birth?” He elaborated while Nicole came out of the bathroom.

“What happened to your shirt?” Nicole asked, seeing the tea traces on Lando’s chest.
“Why didn’t you tell me he asked you to mate?” Oscar asked.
“Well … you were really busy with the pregnancy and then the babies and stuff, I didn’t want to unload my stuff on you as well.” Nicole tried to explain.
“During my pregnancy?” Oscar screeched “When the hell did you ask her?”
“After the final, afterwards I just dropped hints that I’m still interested.” Daniel said and then turned to Nicole “I thought you had told him?”
“I wanted to, it just … I didn’t know how.”
“But why did you say no?” Oscar asked.
“Wait you would support it?” Daniel asked, but was ignored.
“I just don’t feel ready for it.” Nicole said.
“But why not?” Oscar asked again.
“Because … I just don’t, okay? I don’t have to explain myself to you!” Nicole said loudly and Jacob started whining, Lando getting up and walking over to his babies.
“Why did you say no? You love him! You told me so yourself!” Oscar questioned his mum again.
“Because I don’t feel ready to make that decision yet! I’m sure that I will mate him, but not right now, Oscar!” Nicole started getting louder and louder “I had someone force me to do stuff for twenty years and I’m not letting myself get pushed into something I’m not ready for ever again!” Nicole now yelled and the room went silent, only Jacob’s whining and Lando softly hushing him was heard.
“You’re right, I’m sorry, mum.” Oscar said and walked over to his mum, hugging her tightly.

Chapter 21: The one with the guests

Summary:

The Miami GP weekend is starting and Carlos is visiting, although he isn't the only one.

P.S.: There will be no update on Wednesday! I apologize for that, but it's not manageable. This will be the only skip in this story, though.

Lando flew together with Daniel, Charles and Max, in Max’s plane to Miami. Again, feeling sad to leave his family. Seeing Chloe and Julia’s excitement and joy to meet the babies was amazing. The mood in the room had loosened up again after a couple of minutes.

“Are you going to Nasfinity as well?” Lando asked Max.
“Yeah, we’ll go together on Saturday after qualifying.” Max said.
“Wait, you’re going to Nasfinity?” Daniel asked.
“Yeah, sponsorship thing, you know. I’ll go with Logan and someone from PR.”
“You’ll meet Carlos there as well?”
“I guess so. We are not invited by their team or something, but … we’re probably going to meet somewhere.”
“And you’re good, hearing all that?” Daniel asked Lando.
“Oh, I already knew. Logan told me, he was scared I’d get mad or something.” Lando said.
“Okay, alright. And you’re good with everything?” Daniel asked.
“I’m okay.” Lando said.

Miami was special for Logan. Not because he grew up here, but because he had raced his first race with Redbull here, one year ago. His parents weren’t there. He also didn’t make any effort to contact them. He hadn’t contacted them since their visit in Hungary the year before, when they had fallen into his back again and tried to convince him to stop racing.
“Logan” he heard an assistant say, a couple minutes before first practice started.
“Yeah, what’s up?” he asked, drinking something. She waved him into a corner, then she started talking.
“Your parents are at the paddock entrance. They claim that they are invited and just forgot their passes.” She stated quickly.
“No. The word still stands. Nothing will change.” Logan said firmly.
“Alright, I’ll tell security.” She said with a smile “Drive safely.”
“Will do, thank you for telling me, though.”
“Sure thing” she said, walking out of the garage and into the paddock. She reached the security building not long after, informing security that the ban was still in order and Logan’s parents were not to enter the area under any circumstances.

Nico greeted Carlos in the garage, having a little chat before Nico had to go an prepare for practice, Carlos being asked into the lounge by Mario Andretti.
He watched practice from the balcony, Carlos of course knowing how successful McLaren and especially Lando was this season, but it was something totally different watching them.
They had their garage further up the pit lane, but he was still able to watch Lando stop and go. He currently came down the pit lane, stopping in front of his garage. He looked up, lifting a hand to Carlos, who lifted his own, giving a little wave.

First practice had ended, everyone getting good laps, no bigger incidents, only a little touch to the wall from Fernando and Kimi. Carlos made his way towards the Andretti hospitality, needing the toilet, when he almost bumped into Lando.
“Hey, there you are! I was looking for you.” Lando said.
“You were looking for me?” Carlos asked surprised.
“Well, I wanted to thank you in person for the baby gifts and of course” Lando handed him an envelope “the thank you card.”
“Oh, thank you, I didn’t expect anything like that.” Carlos said with a smile and looked at the envelope for a moment.
“Do you want to see pictures?” Lando asked after a little silence and Carlos nodded. Lando pulled some pictures up on his phone until Logan came up to them.
“Hey Lando you idiot! Momma hen Zak is running around looking for you! Press is waiting!” Logan said and Lando sped off, not even saying bye to Carlos. “He talked about his babies, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did.”
“They look really cute, he shows everyone the pictures, if we want to see them or not.”
“Well, he’s happy.” Carlos said.
“Definitely. How are you feeling, being back here?”
“Actually, I thought I would feel worse or something? But I’m actually good. It’s fun watching you guys, being one of the wannabe know it all’s on the balcony.” Carlos said with a smirk.
“I can imagine.” Logan said with a laugh.
“Hey, now that you are here, I have to ask you something. You said to Oscar to stay away from Malcolm, why?” Carlos asked.
“He’s … not a good guy.” Logan said shortly.
“Yeah, I know that. He’s an entitled little kid who thinks he’s better than everyone. He got aggressive after I pushed him out in Orlando.”
“That’s not what I … look, I know I can’t tell you what to do, but you really shouldn’t be seen with him. Not in a friendship like way, I mean.”
“But why?”
“Manipulation. Bribing people. Provoking others to start a fight and then play the victim. Using girls. The last part is … there are different stories.”
“Different stories?”
“He said, she said. No proof? No crime.”
“Stay away. Got it.”
“Personal opinion … just wait it out. One year max, then the media will pick it up and he’ll get crushed. I think it would be way better to be his enemy than his friend.”
“I’ll wait for the boom, except I stumble upon something earlier, then I’ll blow him up.”
“Deal.” Logan laughed “And you are happy in Nasfinity?”
“I am, yes.” Carlos said with a smile “I never thought I would race here or with Anderson, but it really is great. It is totally different from this, but … I like it.”
“That’s the most important part.” Logan said with a smile, then heard someone from the team call his name.
They said a quick goodbye and Carlos went to the bathroom before making his way back to the lounge above the garage.

He had some snacks and stood at the balcony, listening to the interviews going on beneath him in the pit lane while eating some crackers topped with cream cheese and cucumber.
“Hey there, funny to see you here.” He got a slap on his back and someone took one of the crackers.
“Funny to see you, too.” Carlos said, smiling at Kevin.
“Why is it funny to see me here? Officially, I still have a contract here.”
“Officially, you are not racing. The kid is doing your job.”
“And he’s doing it quite well, little dipshit threw away my shirt because he thought it was garbage.”
“He threw away your shirt?” Carlos asked with a laugh.
“A Maverick’s jersey, actually. It has Nowitzki’s signature. Nico gifted it to me on my 30th. I made him search through the dumpster and give it back to me.”
“Okay, I probably would have done the same.”
“So, Nasfinity, huh?”
“Yep. Great racing. Different racing.”
“Seems like that, yes.”
“What about you?” Carlos asked.
“I don’t know.” Kevin admitted “People are not eager to employ a racer who already had a heart attack during a fucking race. I had some offers for training juniors and stuff, but … I’m not ready for that right now. I currently enjoy spending time with my wife and daughters.”
“You’re travelling around?”
“Yes, we do. We spent the last two months touring through the Caribbean, a lot of beaches, a lot of swimming. They are only this little once, you know. We’re starting a road trip through the US now, we’re not sure how long.”
“Well, not really, but I can imagine.” Carlos said. They watched the second training together before Kevin got back to his hotel and Carlos drove back to the car rental place at their own track, handing in the car before making his way to the Anderson trucks.

Chapter 22: The one with the bullets

Summary:

Logan and Max are visiting Carlos and Lance and Pascale are having a spa day with a surprise ending...

Qualifying was a little different than expected. Lando would start from seventh after blowing a tire and damaging his front wing with it, the team not quick enough to get another lap in. Lewis got pole, followed by Ollie, Esteban, Logan, Charles, Max, then Lando, Yuki, Lance and George in the top ten. Alex started from nineteenth. His best starting position this season. Liam started in 14th, his faster lap not finished due to impeding.

Logan and Max got into the car, being driven to the Nasfinity track together with someone from the PR department.
“So, what will we do?” Max asked.
“We will go to the Keating team, take some pictures, the regular, you are done shortly before the race start, it’s an evening race. You then have two hours of free time. You get passes for the investor’s lounge, there are food and drinks there, or you can go wherever you want.”
“Really?!” Logan asked. “We’re getting free time?!”
“Thank Christian when we’re back.” She said with a smirk.
“Oh, we will.” Max said, smiling widely. They did their thing and it was actually more interesting than they thought, even though the differences in financing were clearly visible. Looking from the other side of the pit lane, where the stands are, you could barely recognize Anderson Motorsports with their two flags and huge sign above their garage. Leon Bowen Racing was what you saw. Flags spread over the whole front of the garage. Yellow and green. Blinding almost. They also seemed to have a big fanbase. And a picture-perfect looking driver.
Andersons colours of dark red and black seemed more like an understatement. They had been their colours since they started.

“You look a little like Deadpool.” Logan said, looking into Carlos’ garage and making the people in there laugh.
“Yeah, I think it’s awesome.” Carlos said, hugging him quickly.
“Well, it definitely looks better than Captain America wearing Vision’s suit up there.” Logan groaned silently, nodding his head towards Malcolm, who yelled at a mechanic at the moment “What is wrong with him now?”
“Who knows. Something is always wrong and it is never his fault.” Carlos said “I’ve gotta go, make yourself comfortable if you want to stay.” Carlos got into his car, getting strapped in by a mechanic and making his way out the box.

“So, you are Logan.” A redhead said to him “I’m Josy.”
“Yes, Logan, nice to meet you.” He said, looking at all the documents she was carrying. “Can I help you with those?” he offered and she happily handed him most of them. “You’re looking for investors? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have looked.”
“Well, not really an investor, I guess.” She said and opened their truck “My dad doesn’t wants to share, which I guess is normal, but even with the better results now … we’re not completely competitive. My dad would prefer a bank loan, but we already have some running and the interest would be pretty high.”
“Hmm” Logan said, laying the documents on the desk in the little office “Who are you contacting for investments?” Logan asked and she dropped a couple of names.
“Those sound like big corporations.”
“Yes, they are. They are the easiest to approach and we are kind of running out of money.”
“But you got some good results these last races and I thought you got that new beer sponsor?”
“We do. The money went to the loans and to payroll, the last thing we want is not being able to pay our people.”
“Best approach in my mind. Do you have the pitch here?” Logan asked and Josy handed him a folder.
“You want to join at the wall?” she asked and he nodded, them making their way to the engineer’s place, Logan sitting down next to Lucas.
“You’re looking young.” Logan stated.
“I’m older than you.” Lucas stated, half distracted by the data on his screen “Congrats on the pole.”
“I’m Logan, not Lewis.” Logan said with a smirk and Lucas whipped his head towards him while Josy laughed.
“I’m so sorry, I’m really getting into a zone during races.” Lucas apologized.
“Don’t worry, I’m not really getting called a seven – time world champion.” Logan said to him “You’re starting 18th, right?”
“Yeah, had some troubles during qualifying.” Lucas said when the cars stopped in formation “There we go.”

The race started and the cars sped away. At first it looked like the whole field just stayed in formation, moving in the two rows they started in. Then a car towards the middle of the pulk, two rows in front of Carlos, seemingly lost control, turning outside and into the wall first before being flung back and over the track, bumping and crashing into other cars. Carlos was lucky, starting on the outer row and being able to pass the little pile up on the outside. “Traditional Sanders” Lucas muttered and Logan looked a little confused.
“Sanders is like … the Mazepin of Nasfinity. Thankfully he only takes himself out … most of the time.” Josy explained.
“He seems new. I don’t watch every race, I have to admit, the time change is cruel sometimes.”
“You are right, though. He’s replacing their injured driver for at least another ten races. We are not considered the worst anymore since he started.” Josy smiled “And Carlos’ ninth last week helped that as well.”
“I can imagine. It has been your first top ten finish in, like, what? Thirteen years?”
“Thirteen years, five months, eight days.” Josy said with a smile. Due to Sander’s crash, three cars were out and Carlos was able to pass some cars that were impeded by it, now being 12th.

“Okay, how do you want to plan this?” Carlos asked, now being behind the Keating team car.
“Stick to the plan, you have the speed and talent. Hard, fast, careful, safely.”
“You do realize that those things don’t go well together, right?”
“Yep, but you know what I mean.” Lucas said.
“Then let’s get us to the front.” Carlos said and Lucas leaned back, taking a sip of water.
“You look really relaxed for a race engineer.” Logan said and Lucas shrugged.
“He knows what to do. This is not F1, I don’t need to constantly update him on how to take corners, break balance or tire degradation.” Lucas said and they watched Carlos for a bit, inching up to the Keating car, giving it a little nudge. The car went to the outside and Carlos passed him quickly, keeping an eye on him in case there would be a push coming towards him. He watched the driver closely, who seemed to be looking into his side mirror suspiciously often.
He plans to hit my rear tire.
Carlos thought. The were just about to enter the curve, Carlos not yet using his full speed. He saw the other driver gripping the wheel and he floored the pedal. He went into the curve to fast, passing the other car by a centimetre, his back breaking out and drifting a little while the Keating car, expecting Carlos as a hinderance, went into the curve, sliding sideways, trying to get the car back under control. He slammed through some plastic advertisements before just sliding out on the pavement, the rubber of his tires smoking. He managed to keep driving for a bit, but then a tire blew. He went back onto an exit way, driving back to the pit lane.
“It’s way different seeing it like this than on tv.” Logan said and Lucas laughed before talking to Carlos, congratulating him to ‘getting Keating to solve it themselves’. Carlos laughed.
Logan and Max had to leave before the race ended, but they were able to follow the rest of the race in the car, which had a tv. Carlos ended up in ninth again.

 

Pascal and Arti visited the Miami F1 race as well. There was a little spring break at school and Arti was excited about the ‘oh so different beach’ that would be in Miami.
Lance and Pascal went to a spa outside of the hotel on Saturday evening, treating themselves with some massages, while Lawrence, George and Arti had a men’s night, visiting an arcade. Pascal and Lance sat in the car driving them back to the hotel, provided by the hotel for their VIP guests. They had just stopped at a traffic light, laughing about something Pascal didn’t even remember afterwards. She heard a ping, at first not really scaring her.

“GET DOWN!” the driver yelled, throwing an arm back and pulling her head down. They got shot at. What started with a single bullet soon turned into a rain, compromising the windows, spraying them with shards and bullets. The car sped forwards, Pascal and Lance cowering down, gripping each other’s hands. They heard the driver yell something into his phone while speeding off with squealing tires. It took less than a minute, then they drove downstairs somewhere and into blinding white lights. The doors were ripped open and blue and red blinking lights flooded in as well. Pascal screamed before realizing it was a policeman looking at her, helping her and Lance out of the car.

They were at the underground entrance of a hospital. Their driver was pulled out as well and transferred onto a gurney, groaning in pain. They were guided somewhere, policemen around them.
“I apologize to bring you in here, but this seems to be the safest place right now.” The policeman said. They were in front of a holding cell, apparently part of the hospital. A doctor came in shortly after, giving them a check-up before Lawrence stormed in, hugging them both at once.
“How did this happen?!” he asked the policeman.
“We think it was supposed to look like a drive-by, but they were way too skilled. They are still following them. They got one car, the other is still on the run, they just entered the highway.” The policeman said.
“Where is Arti?” Pascal asked.
“With George. He wanted to come but I wanted them to be safe. They have security with them.”

They were still in the police station when there were statements put out on social media. Suspected high gang members, shady business owners, politicians, corporations, war dogs, you name them, they posted they had absolutely nothing to do with this and will do anything to protect the Stroll family. The three got news an hour later, that their driver would be okay, getting shot into the shoulder. They wanted to keep him overnight and Lawrence left a private security guard with him. The police organized a bullet proof SUV, accompanied by two police cruisers. The street to the hotel was empty. Not locked down by the police. On every corner stood people that were visibly not from the police, wearing all kinds of gang tattoos and weapons, holding back people and cars.

“Did you call them?” Pascal asked when they got into the elevator, not with the police anymore.
“No. The people that attacked you did that … by attacking you.” Lawrence said, holding her hand.
“Internet is going crazy. Looks like they start pissing themselves, scared you could think they were involved.” Lance said, scrolling on his phone. Lawrence hugged him with his other arm. There were three guards in front of their suite, another two in the living room, hands going to their guns when they entered.
“Where are they?” Lawrence asked.
“In Madame Leclerc’s nest, Mr. Stroll.”
“Why don’t you go ahead.” Lawrence said to them “I will be right behind you.” They went into the bigger bedroom, seeing George and Arti in the nest, cuddled under a blanket, watching Cars. Arti’s favourite. George got up right away, hugging them both and kissing Lance.
“He doesn’t know. I mean, he knows that something happened, but … he thinks it was a little car accident.” George said lowly.
“Mummy!” Arti exclaimed, stretching his arms towards her.
“Hey baby!” she said, stepping up to him.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Oh yes, I’m okay. We’re both okay.” Pascal calmed Arti, hugging him tightly. They all laid in the nest together not long after, falling asleep together.

“Are you sure you want to go?” Lawrence asked two hours before the race, Pascal and Arti getting ready.
“Yes. I will not let them destroy our weekend.” Pascal insisted. They were already questioned by the police this morning “Also, I don’t think anyone will have the chance to do anything.” She said with a nod towards the window. There were loads of cars parked on the side of the street or on the sidewalks, only a few of them police cruisers. They went down into the garage, two guards with them again, and got into the car. Lawrence insisted to sit down in the front. He said to give them more protection, but Pascal knew it was also to give a sign to everyone outside, that they were in the car. As soon as the car came out of the garage, phones were pulled out of pockets and calls started.

Suddenly, the traffic stopped, the car being able to enter the street without problems. Gang members were stood on the street, holding up the honking cars. They started driving and Pascal saw some cars, spread over all lanes built up a barrier behind them. No police. High class cars. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Bentley’s, Aston Martins and she even spotted a Koenigsegg. The side streets were blocked again as well, blocked by people with guns or some cars. There were loads of cars parked on the sidelines close to the paddock entrance again, stopping immediately when they entered the VIP parking. The cars that followed them stayed outside the parking lot, some of them parking, others kept going. There were all kinds of people standing with the cars. People in suits, ties and sunglasses. Gang members in wife beaters and sweatpants. All of them carrying guns in various sizes.
“I’ve never felt more protected. Is that weird?” Pascal whispered to Lawrence. Arti was either distracted by his comic or mesmerized by the cars.
“It should be on a normal weekend.” He whispered back “This is not a normal weekend.” He said, smiling a little and giving her a little kiss before exiting the car, helping her out, them entering the paddock, Arti in between them, the two security guards behind them. The mayor greeted them not long after, promising them to go after whoever attacked them with the full police force, while looking really nervous, hiding his hands behind his back, his eyes not really meeting Lawrence’s. Charles walked up to them, having two other security guards following him. He hugged his mum and brother before also hugging Lawrence.
“Thank you for protecting them.” He whispered.
“I will protect all of you forever.” Lawrence promised and Charles nodded.

Chapter 23: The one with the changes and the private parts

Summary:

The Miami GP, followed by some drivers meeting in a suite.
Williams is making a drastic move, is it necessary?
Some little moments of Logan and Esteban, George and Lance and Lewis and Ollie.

The race itself was mostly uneventful. There were some short yellow flags due to cars going off the track and a longer one, Bottas hobbling back to the pits with a not correctly attached tire. Lando had started his hunt from the beginning, chipping away to the front bit by bit. Charles’ way too long pit stop aided him as well. Lance drove aggressively, his engineer warning him to not get too reckless.
Yuki and Lance stuck behind Lando, but didn’t copy his strategy. He didn’t manage to win this race, but got 2nd, directly behind Lewis, who got another win for Ferrari, Yuki joined them on the podium. His first podium in F1. He was on the brink of tears, Maya crying in the box. Lance finished fourth, followed by Logan, Esteban, Max, Ollie, George and Charles.
Alex finished 18th, another personal best. He seemed indifferent to it anyway.
Liam kept his distance, as did the team.

“Where’s Alex?” Esteban asked when Liam joined him and George in their car, closing the door.
“Meeting with James and the management.”
“They’re going to kick him?” George asked.
“I don’t know.” Liam said and Esteban opened his eyes “And to tell you the truth … I’m not in the mood to discuss it.”
“Got it.” Esteban said “Hey, we’re meeting at our suite for a couple of drinks, you can come over if you want.”
“Sure.” Liam said, not sounding very motivated.
“It is voluntary.” George assured Liam.

Esteban, Logan, George, Lance, Lando, Ollie, Kimi and Mick where in the suite, sharing some drinks and snacks.
“Williams is in real trouble.” Esteban said “Liam doesn’t even want to talk about it.”
“Yeah, you’re hearing all kinds of complaints from their garage.” Mick agreed.
“They are that loud?” Kimi asked surprised.
“Sometimes. Alex behaves like a real dick to everyone, it seems. And his performance … well, you saw it. Dorilton is not happy at all.” Mick said. RB had their garage next to Williams.
“They have a meeting tonight, Liam said.”
“Oops.” Lando said.
“Well, the Dorilton management is here, as are others. It would be good opportunity.” Ollie said.
“Opportunity for what?” Kimi asked and the others were silent “You guys really think they would fire him?”
“Well, he had multiple talks, they didn’t seem to change anything. Maybe they’ll sideline him for now.” George suggested.
“And who would take his place?” Mick asked.
“Who knows.” Logan said when there was a knock on the door. He got up and let Liam in, carrying a bag of crisps, already opened, and carrying a little bag, saying Happy Birthday.
“Hi” he said a little bit dry.
“Hey” Logan said, letting Liam in. He walked through the room, handing the birthday bag to Lando.
“Thank you?” Lando said confused “You do know that my birthday is in November?”
“Yeah, I didn’t know it was a thing to give stuff for a baby’s birth. James told me yesterday so I bought something.” Liam said a little emotionless.
“Thank you, but for the future, it is not mandatory to gift something.” Lando said “Are you okay?” he asked after they watched Liam stuff a whole handful of crisps into his mouth.
“This weekend is terrible.” Liam said through his crisps “My girlfriend broke up with me, my mum is in the hospital because she broke her leg and they are benching Alex.”
“They are benching him?” Ollie asked.
“They are making up something like him not being in the state to drive safely so it will go through with the FIA. He’ll be like a replacement driver.”
“Who’s taking over then?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure they know yet, but Dorilton is tired of him. Driving slow is one thing, but being disrespectful to everyone? Destroying team moral on a daily basis? Not taking responsibility for his own mistakes? All of that is unnecessary. He doesn’t even give feedback, he just says that the car is terrible, that’s it. But please can we talk about something else now?” he asked but it was silent for a moment.
“Jacob smiled at me during face time earlier.” Lando smiled and the others groaned “What? It was the first time!”
“He probably farted.” Kimi said with a smirk and the others laughed.

“I never thought I would say that, but no.” Carlos said.
“Really?” the guy from Dorilton management said surprised.
“Really. I have a contract here. I made a commitment to the team, I will not leave them now.” Carlos explained.
“Okay, I respect the loyalty. You have to know, I can’t guarantee that we would ask again.”
“I know. And thank you, I really feel honoured by you thinking of me.” Carlos said, shaking his hand and they parted ways. “Wait!” he then called him back “I might have an idea, though.”

Liam sat in James Vowles office in Grove, his face in his hands. “Just to state it bluntly now. You want to replace a sandbag … with a crash king.” Liam said to James, their connection to Dorilton chuckling a little.
“Hey!” Kevin said, playing offended.
“He was recommended, yes.” James said “I have to admit, I didn’t think of getting Kevin, but here we are. Life is crazy sometimes.”
“Recommended?” Liam asked.
“Carlos Sainz declined racing for us and in return recommended Kevin.” James said. Liam dropped his head on the table, then turned his face to Kevin.
“I could have had Carlos? I’m sorry for this reaction.” He said “But if you take me out, there will be no teams orders.”
“I will do my best.” Kevin said and Liam raised an eyebrow “Hey, I’m starting with a three-place grid penalty, anyway.”
“What?” Liam asked.
“He’s still carrying it from last season.” James said.
“I caused a pretty big collision during my last race.” Kevin said with a smile.
“You had a heart attack!” Liam defended him.
“I caused a collision, which ended the race for multiple drivers. The rules are quite clear on that. Three places back is actually very lenient.”
“Well then” Liam said, lifting his head back up “Welcome to Williams!” he said to Kevin.
The media and the public called them crazy.

“Kevin is coming back!” Oscar giggled, sitting on the couch and feeding James while Lando burped Jacob, Isabelle already asleep after being done eating. They had just seen the news on tv.
“Yay!” Lando said, not sure if he should be happy or not.
“I don’t know what your thoughts are, talking like that.”
“Well, he had a heart attack … that’s not a joke. I like him as a person, he can be a great driver, but his driving can be a little … crashing.” Lando explained and Oscar let out a little laugh.
“But would that be worse than having Alex sandbagging? I kind of understand Williams there. Kevin got some points these past years and like you guys are always saying, every point counts.”

“Talk to me.” Charles said to Max. They sat on the couch, Penelope having her afternoon nap.
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
“Come on, Max, please. I know you by now. Something is keeping your head busy and it starts eating you up. Just share it with me.”
“It will sound stupid.” Max said.
“I don’t think so.” Charles said, throwing his legs over Max’s lap, turning towards him, intertwining their fingers.
“I’m jealous.”
“Of what?”
“Winning.” Max said “You winning, Lando winning, everyone getting podiums and for me I seem to just … stumble behind.”
“You are NOT stumbling behind, baby.” Charles said “You already have a podium. You had three stupid DNFs, two of them none of your fault. You were blessed these last years and this time, maybe Lando has a good start. We are only six races in. Anything is possible. That’s what you told me all the time last year.” Charles said, leaning his forehead against Max’s head.
“Yeah, it’s not always easy to follow your own advice.” Max said.
“True, but we still have eighteen races to go.”
“I’m more than 100 points behind the leader. Logan has almost double of my points.”
“Because he didn’t have the other DNFs. There is still everything and anything possible, Max.”
“I might need a couple more talks like this once in a while.”
“Sure. Happily. You are not alone in this, Max. I want to share with you. Please share with me as well, okay? A relationship is a two way street.”
“Okay.” Max said, a little smile breaking out.

The light was dimmed, only the fairy lights above the nest and the lights from the city outside illuminating the room. George entered Lance slowly, Lance wrapping his leg around George, giving him space.
“Are you okay?” George asked after settling in completely.
“Yes” Lance moaned “You do realize this is not our first time, right?”
“Yes, but it is our first time as a couple.” George said, slowly pulling back before starting to thrust, slowly at first, then speeding up, encouraged by Lance’s moans. They moved quickly, kissing in between, George nibbling on Lance’s neck when he started to come, his body starting to spasm and George pulled back a little, watching Lance before releasing himself, falling down on top of him. George lifted his head a little later, looking at Lance before kissing him deeply. He pulled out, laying down next to him and pulling him into his arms.
“That was great.” Lance said lowly.
“Yes, it was.” George agreed.
“Very different to our last time.”
“True, but great non the less.” George said, kissing him again.

“Oh my God!” Logan exclaimed “Why didn’t we try this sooner?” he asked, moaning in between. They were in the pool in Zurich, Esteban standing behind him, entering him in a slow rhythm.
“You shouldn’t be this loud, Cherie.” Esteban whispered “There are people down there.” He said and Logan looked down on the street, seeing a couple people sitting at the lake or just walking down the street. He tried to swallow a loud moan, biting his lip. Esteban held him up, his arms wrapped under his, holding onto the edge, together with Logan’s.
“Did you ever do this before?” Logan asked, trying to sound calm.
“No.” Esteban groaned into his ear “You’re the first in this pool.” He said, speeding up a little. The water held his speed back, though. Maybe not the worst thing. It was their first time in this position. Logan sucked in a breath holding it in until releasing with a soft and long moan. They kept their rhythm, Esteban sliding one of his hands to Logan’s hip, holding him in place before speeding up a little more, the water splashing over the edge. Logan came, Esteban wrapping his arms around him, pulling him against his chest tightly while coming himself. They stayed still for a while until Esteban slowly moved out of Logan, who let out another little moan. He left the pool for a moment, getting rid of the condom before coming back, hugging Logan. “We should go to bed.” He groaned in his ear.
“I know.” Logan said, already sounding half asleep.
“Come on, Cherie.” Esteban said, carrying Logan out of the pool. They took a quick shower and then went downstairs, laying down in the bed “Are you okay?” Esteban asked softly.
“Yes, I am.” Logan said with a smile “I was hesitant, doing it … from behind. After everything … but it was really great.” Esteban nodded and gave him another kiss, both of them falling asleep quickly.

“I – I – I’m sorry.” Ollie said, pulling his mouth from Lewis, breaking their kiss.
“Okay” Lewis said, smiling a little and pulling his hand out of Ollie’s underwear. He kissed him again, but soon realized that Ollie defended the kiss. “Hey, what’s going on?” he asked after pulling back, Ollie turning his head to the side. “Hey, baby, what’s up?” Lewis asked and Ollie swallowed drily. “Baby please talk to me.” Lewis asked, stroking through Ollie’s hair.
“It’s just … it feels like I’m leading you on and on and on again and then I just … shut the door in your face.” Ollie tried to explain.
“Well, you kind of do.” Lewis said and Ollie crunched up his face “But I’d prefer for you to shut the door in my face a hundred times than doing something you are not ready for.”
“But it’s … I should be ready.” Ollie said “Shouldn’t I? I’m with you for almost four months.”
“There is no rule book, Ollie. Every person has their own speed.” Lewis said with a smile and nudged Ollie with his nose. Ollie smiled a little and they shared a long kiss before Lewis dropped onto the mattress next to him, pulling up the sheets. “We have all the time in the world.”
“It still feels unfair to me, though.”
“It’s not. It would be unfair of me to expect you to do things you don’t want to do.” Lewis said, hugging him tightly.
“I’m sorry.”
“There is no need to apologize.”
“I could blow you?” Ollie asked and Lewis looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
“I know you by now, Ollie. If you are like this you don’t want to do it. You just think you have to satisfy me, which you don’t. And I don’t want you to do anything in any situation that you don’t enjoy yourself.” Lewis said while stroking Ollie’s hair “Please believe me. I’m not mad, and I never will be.”
“Okay” Ollie said.

“Italy!” Nicole said loudly, entering their transfer from the airport to the hotel.
“Pizzaland!” Chloe yelled out, making Julia and the driver laugh.
They got out of the car, an employee already loading their luggage on a trolley.
“Oh, you don’t have to, it’s just a couple of bags.” Nicole started to say.
“No, please, it is our pleasure. Welcome to Imola, Mrs. Ricciardo.” The employee said with a wide smile and handed her a little slip for the luggage. Nicole wanted to say something, but then decided to just thank him and take the slip, entering the hotel with the girls. They got their keycards pretty quickly and were on the way to their suite.

 

Results of the Miami GP (numbers behind the driver's name are the total championship points)

Race 6-Miami
1 - HAM42
2 - NOR136
3 - TSU35
4 - STR48
5 - SAR65
6 - OCO70
7 - VER34
8 - BEA52
9 - RUS36
10 - LEC71
11 - ALO0
12 - ANT6
13 - GAS2
14 - LAW1
15 - MSC2
16 - HUL0
17 - RIC2
18 - ALB0
19 - ZHO0
20 - BOT0

currently not racing:
POU1

Chapter 24: The one with the superheroes, investments and the return of the crash king

Summary:

Nicole and Louise Magnussen meet one another.
Logan is starting his first investment and tries to keep it more or less secret, will it work, though?
The Imola GP also takes place, letting Kevin return to the F1 grid, will he honor the name Liam gave him?

“Just a couple doors down.” Nicole said, checking the room number, Chloe skipping a couple steps ahead.
“Laura!” she heard a voice, then something added in a language she couldn’t understand. They passed an open door and she saw a blond woman in the room, looking exhausted.
“Hey, are you okay?” Nicole asked “You’re Louise, right? Kevin’s wife?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, I forgot your name.” Louise said, stepping up to them, almost falling over some luggage.
“It’s Nicole.”
“Yes, right, Daniel’s girlfriend. I’m sorry, this was all really hasty.” Lousie tried to excuse herself.
“I can come over in a bit? Just for companionship or get settled or something?” Nicole asked softly.
“That would be really great, actually.” Louise said, looking like she would start crying when there was a baby’s wail heard.
“I’ll just look that the girls are fine, then I’ll be back.” Nicole promised, smiling encouragingly.

She let the girls into their own room, a big room with a sitting area and a connecting room for the girls. “Okay ladies, I will go help Louise for a bit, alright? You can watch a movie and you can call me when needed, I wrote down the room number. Or on your own phone, Julia, alright? And there will be no fighting, understood?” she finished sternly.
“Yes, mommy.” Chloe said and the girls settled on the couch, Julia choosing a movie.
The door to Louise’s room was still open. When Nicole walked in, she saw the layout was the same as theirs. Louise by now sat on the couch, nursing her younger daughter, only four months old. She let out a relieved sigh when she saw Nicole, wiping a tear off her cheek.
“Clean up or childcare?” Nicole asked.
“Clean up” Louise stated.
“Okay, I’ll start getting the luggage out of the way.” Nicole said.
“The blue ones don’t need to get unpacked.” Louise said, nodding towards the bigger suitcases “The purple ones are the kids.”
“Got it.” Nicole said, carrying the two purple suitcases into the adjoining room. “Hello there, Laura, I suppose. I’m Nicole.” Louise heard her say, then the door was pulled almost closed, muffling the noise. Louise dropped her head back, concentrating on nursing her baby.

Nicole opened the suitcases, letting Laura help by unfolding a blanket and letting her play – or in Laura’s mind sort – the toys, while she unpacked the clothes and the toiletries for the girls in the adjoining bathroom. She pulled a plastic bag from the roll in her purse, collecting the snack wrappers that were on the nightstands, as well as some tissues and some empty baby wipes packaging and disinfectant wipes, setting the bag next to the little garbage can in the bathroom. Laura was happily playing, so she went back to the main room, carrying the black suitcases, most likely with Kevin’s and Louise’s clothes, to their closet, but didn’t unpack them. She saw the prepared cot from the hotel, quickly taking out the pillow and blanket before properly tying the sidecloth to the frame. She’ll never understand why hotels put blanket and pillows in baby beds, if they know there was a really young baby arriving.
She moved silently, seeing another sports bag on the counter next to the tea and coffee station. It held the milk warmer, as well as diapers and other things for the baby. She set up the warmer and some bottles, as well as storing the cooling packages for the milk in the little fridge. She only unpacked some of the diapers, carrying them to the girl’s bathroom, where the housekeeping had set up the changing table. She then moved around the room, getting together items that were misplaced randomly, hanging their jackets at the front and bringing some clothes to the girl’s room.

“So, you have tea, juice and water.” Nicole said softly, Louise about to be finished nursing.
“Vodka” Louise said with an exhausted smile. “Juice please.” Nicole grabbed a water and a juice, opening the juice and handing it to Louise after sitting down next to her. Louise took it happily, taking a couple of sips before setting it down on the little table, adjusting her bra and shirt before starting to burp her daughter, softly clapping her back. “Thank you so much.”
“Of course. It must have all been really rushed.” Nicole said.
“Yeah, it was.” Louise nodded “We planned on touring the US for a couple months, had all our stuff in one of these obnoxiously huge caravans.” She smiled “And then the call came. I can’t hold it against Kevin. I never will. He helped as much as he could with the packing and cancelling but he had to go to Grove before coming here. I just … underestimated the long journey and all that and Agnes didn’t feel the best, she’s just coming back from an ear infection. I’m sorry unloading it all on you now.”
“Don’t be sorry. Unloading helps most of the time already.” Nicole said with a smile “I didn’t have my children this close together, so I can’t tell you I know how you feel, but I’m seeing Oscar with his triplets and it’s just … wow.”
“Yeah, it’s rough. I mean, Laura is sleeping through the night now, but she’s not fully dry yet and needs a lot of help and then the baby on top … I really didn’t think it would make this much of a difference.”
“Well, Laura is two now, right?” Nicole asked and Louise nodded “It’s normal she needs a lot of help. You can always call me, Julia is eleven now, she’s good for an hour or two with Chloe.”
“How old is Chloe now?”
“She’s five.”
“So, school starts this year?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, okay. But she goes to daycare?”
“Half days, yes. I work part time, four times a week from home.”
“Hmm” Lousie said, her eyes starting to close.
“You want me to put her down?” Nicole asked.
“That would be great. I’ll get Laura down for a nap.”
“Okay” Nicole said, carefully taking the baby from Louise and putting her down in the cot, closing the curtains and taking the baby phone. She walked back around the half wall, seeing Louise asleep. She went to the adjoining bedroom, seeing Laura already asleep on the playing blanket. She carefully put her down in the bed, pulling off her jeans and sliding on some sweatpants before closing the curtains there as well. She sat down with Louise, draping a blanket over her and starting to read a magazine after texting Daniel that she’s in Kevin’s room. They should be back soon.

“Nicole is at your room.” Daniel said to Kevin when they left the driver’s meeting.
“Oh, okay, well, we’re at the same hotel, anyway.” Kevin said, looking on his phone but not seeing a message.
“Are you okay?” Daniel asked him.
“Yeah, it’s just … I should have called for help, you know. My mum or hers or someone. This just really overwhelmed us, you know. It was done in a day and then I was already leaving for Grove, I tried to help as much as I could, but we had planned to start a road trip for a couple of months with two little kids and I left her there to just … fend for herself.” Kevin said worried.
“Hey, just support her now. Now you can. I know I have no say in this, and I’m not experienced with babies or something, but I’m sure you can help somehow. Did you see her yet?”
“No, she arrived today, we had a quick call during the ride from the airport but then Laura had something and she had to hang up.”
“Then let’s go to our ladies.” Daniel said “Anyone need a ride to that Jiggy lagga lagga hotel I still don’t know how to pronounce?!” he then asked louder down the hallway and to the others, but no one answered “then let’s go.” Daniel drove them to the hotel, opening the door of his hotel room, where they saw Nicole sitting on the couch, reading a magazine. Louise was asleep next to her, the curtains a little closed.
“Hey” Kevin said lowly, walking in first.
“Hey” Nicole said, putting down the magazine and walking up to them “They have all been sleeping for about an hour, Laura a little bit longer, I’m not sure if you sleep train or not. Agnes was fed shortly before that. The girl’s stuff is unpacked, your suitcases are in front of your closet, Louise said the blue ones don’t need unpacking.”
“Thank you very much for helping her. She’s a hero.”
“Oh yes, she is. She really needs a day off after the weekend. You can call me anytime, we’re down the hallway, room 1012.” Nicole said with a smile, hugging Kevin quickly before leaving with Daniel.
“Hey baby!” Daniel said after they closed the door to Kevin and Louise’s rooms, kissing her deeply.
“Oh my God. I could never imagine pretty much moving with two little kids on my own!” Nicole let out.
“Well, I hope you don’t plan on moving without me.” Daniel said.
“I’m not moving anywhere; you’re living in MY house.” Nicole smiled back at him.

“Hello there, you must be Laura, I heard a lot about you!” a lady with a cast on her lower leg and foot said, seeing Louise entering the Williams hospitality.
“Really?!” Laura asked surprised and excited.
“Yes, your daddy talks about you all the time.” She added, then looked at Louise “I’m Kristy, I’m Liam’s mother.”
“Louise, hi!” Louise said, sitting down opposite to her at the table, setting down Agnes in her carrier on the chair next to her.
“Wha happen?” Laura asked, pointing at the cast.
“Oh, I was really stupid.” Kristy said shortly.
“Ohoh” Laura let out.
“Do you want to draw on it?” Kristy asked.
“Draw?” Laura asked, seemingly confused by the English word.
“Paint? Scribble?” she tried, then Louise handed her some colouring pencils, which she handed to Laura, who immediately started drawing on the cast, smiling widely. They had some tea and cookies while following the first practice on the screen, talking a lot as well.

“Boah, my neck is already destroyed.” Kevin said, sitting down for the meeting after the second training.
“Well, you haven’t been racing for a couple of months.” Liam said, sitting down next to him.
“Still, I trained of course, but neglected the neck. I’m going to pay for that now.”
“Warm wraps for the muscles and do you have some muscle cream?”
“Yeah, race care package is still intact.”

“So that’s going to be your first big business venture?” Esteban asked.
“Yep. I’ll be a partial owner of a Nasfinity racing team. How cool does that sound?” Logan asked with a smile.
“Very cool.” Esteban agreed, kissing him “You funded a business for that though, right? You didn’t do it as a personal investment?”
“No, I funded a business, which invests in the team. It is registered in Switzerland, giving good opportunities for ventures in Europe as well … when the time comes.”
“What’s it called?”
“Pembroke Global Invest” Logan said and Esteban raised an eyebrow “In Pembroke Pines was the sports centre where I sat in a kart for the first time.”
“Oh wow, it has a really great meaning for you. I just named mine Khelfane Investment Group.”
“Also very personal. It has your name in it. I just took this because I hoped it would kind of cover up the Sargeant name.”
“Okay, got it. Let’s see how long it works.”

“I don’t think it worked.” Esteban stated the next morning, them sitting together for breakfast with George and Lance, the tv in the background giving the news of Logan Sargeant’s new investment company getting partial ownership of Anderson Motorsports.
“Really?!” Logan asked mockingly.
“How much are you getting?” Lance asked.
“20% plus loan buyout.” Logan said and Lance nodded.
“Right of first refusal and pre-purchase?” Lance asked and George looked confused.
“Yes.” Logan answered.
“Loan for acquisition?” Lance asked.
“25%, rest is personal investment into my business, although I can not splurge around until my next bonus now.” Logan said and they laughed while George looked even more confused.
“Still better than starting your business venture with a full loan. It could look bad in the books for your next acquisition and you can get tax back on that loan.” Lance said.
“Oh, definitely, that’s why I ‘just’ took 25% on loan.”
“Great” Lance said “Congrats on your first business venture. Are you alright, George?”
“Sure, apart from that I have pretty much no idea what you just said.” George shrugged and the others were a little silent.
“Do you not have investments?” Esteban asked.
“I have a balanced portfolio and a savings account.” George said and Esteban smiled “What?”
“Nothing. You’re playing it safe. There is nothing wrong with that.”

“You look better.” Lando said, eating some of his oatmeal. He sat in his hotel room, facetiming with Oscar.
“Yeah, I think we found finally some kind of rhythm. They are eating around the same time, so that part is a rush, but then I’ve got about two or three hours of free time.” Oscar winked, eating some yoghurt.
“Sounds like a dream.” Lando smiled at him “My flight goes at eight, so I’ll be there around midnight.”
“Are you sure you want to fly directly after the race?” Oscar asked.
“Yes, I am.” Lando said “And I’ll be silent when I’m coming in.”
“Alright. As you wish.” Oscar smiled and they hung up not long after.

Esteban started from pole, directly followed by Lando, Logan, Max, George, Ollie, Charles, Lance, Yuki and Kimi, getting his first start from the top ten. Liam started from 12th, Kevin right behind him, followed by Pierre.
The lights went out and they rushed away. Alex was standing in the Williams garage, following them on screen, his face showing no emotion.
Esteban got in front of Lando, Logan and Max behind them. George didn’t have the best start and fell back behind Ollie and Charles.
In the tenth lap, a yellow flag was called, Valtteri had lost his car in turn seven, crashing sideways into the barrier, taking Lewis out with him.
Williams had a good race, now with both of their drivers racing for points.
Lando fought tooth and nail with Esteban, neither of them gifting the other anything. In the end, Esteban was a little bit faster than Lando, beating him by .35 seconds. They shared the podium with Logan, who finished in front of Max, Ollie, Charles, Lance, George, Yuki and Kimi. The Williams finished in 11th and 12th, Pierre right behind them.

 

Race 7-Imola, numbers behind the names are the full championship points
1 - OCO95
2 - NOR154
3 - SAR80
4 - VER46
5 - BEA62
6 - LEC79
7 - STR54
8 - RUS40
9 - TSU37
10 - ANT7
11 - LAW1
12 - MAG0
13 - GAS2
14 - ALO0
15 - HUL0
16 - MSC2
17 - RIC2
18 - ZHO0
19 - HAM42
20 - BOT0

currently not racing:
ALB0 - now replacement driver
POU1 - replacement driver

Chapter 25: The one with #oscarssaturdaydinner

Summary:

Oscar and Lando visit the historic Monaco GP, where Lando also meets Ollie.
Oscar is doing his first live stream.
Max is having a therapy session.

Lando silently opened the door, taking off his shoes and walking to their bedroom. The babies were asleep, Oscar giving him a little wave.
He went into their walk-in closet, setting down his suitcase and changing into his sleeping clothes before going to the bathroom. He then went into their nest, giving Oscar a long kiss before settling down to sleep. They were woken up around two am, Isabelle and James starting to fuss.
Lando went into the kitchen and prepped three bottles, carrying them back into the bedroom and handed one to Oscar, who held James already in his arms.

Isabelle was almost done when Jacob started waking up and wining. Lando managed to manoeuvre around, holding Isabelle and the bottle in one arm while softly stroking Jacob’s belly with the other, trying to stall him until Isabelle was done. Oscar burped James and got some milk spat on the cloth over his shoulder.

“Oopsi. Well, as long as you’re happy.” Oscar cooed and Jacob let out something like a giggle, kicking his leg. Oscar put him back down in the nest and picked up Jacob, starting to feed him as well. Isabelle had finished her bottle a couple minutes later and Lando started burping her as well.
“That was a long bottle for you, wasn’t it?” Lando asked Isabelle.
“Yeah, she eats the slowest, but the doctor said everything is fine as long as she finishes.” Oscar said.
“So, I had an idea.” Cisca said during breakfast “Now, as this is my last week, and there is the Grand Prix here and stuff, I could take over baby duty during the days and you can actually watch the historic race together this week, as well as the race weekend next week, what do you say?”
“You want to take that all on your own?” Oscar asked.
“Well, it would be a couple of hours every day and Oscar, you are in need and especially deserve some time off.” She smiled.
“I would love that.” Lando said “We can watch Zak squeezing himself into a car and race.”
“Don’t be mean!” Oscar said, slightly slapping Lando “Who knows what you will look like in 30 years.”
“I’m not mean. He said so himself! And I do not think you will let me gain 40 kilos, will you?” Lando defended.
“Depends. Do you want me to sleep with you?” Oscar asked with a smile.

“I’m so excited!” Oscar said, buttoning his shirt on Wednesday “I can’t even remember when I have been to a grown-up event.” He pulled on some shoes and Lando laughed. “Okay” Oscar then said to Cisca in the kitchen “The babies were just fed, they are sleeping, you have diapers and there is milk prepped, if you need anything or whatever, you can call me at any-“
“Oscar!” Cisca interrupted him “I’ve been living with you for the past weeks. I’ll be okay. And yes, I do have your phone number and I will call if something should happen. Now go you two.” She ushered them out. They walked to the pit lane, and to the McLaren area, getting some lemonade and looking at the cars. There were some interviewers here and there, but Lando had a pretty relaxed day, them being more interested in Oscar and the babies.

“You’re out, it seems? Oscar is way more requested today.” Ollie said, dropping down next to Lando on the couch. They were on the rooftop of some VIP club.
“The world has an Oscar deficit, I guess. He had posted some stuff, but not like before the babies were born and he wasn’t really out since the first race of the season, so … they are in a deficit. But enough about us, how are you doing?”
“Good” Ollie said, sipping on his lemonade.
“Good? Just good? That’s it?”
“It’s … not easy at the moment.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s … I feel kind of … stuck. Like … I can’t really explain it … like something is holding me back, but there is nothing that should hold me back?”
“I … don’t think I understand what you mean.” Lando admitted.
“It’s more … in personal, you know. I … it seems like there is … I don’t know. I should be the happiest, right? I have an amazingly handsome boyfriend and I can’t even fucking sleep with him for Christ’s sake.” Ollie hissed lowly, then slapped his hand in front of his mouth and turned away.
“You didn’t … yet?” Lando asked, eyes wide and Ollie shook his head.
“We … we do start and go there, but then … I don’t know. I make him stop. It’s just like … I freeze up and … he says it’s okay, that he would rather stop than me feeling forced to do something I don’t want to.”
“But is it like … is it the thought of you doing that or what is it?” Lando asked after looking around, but no one looked at them.
“I – I – I’m not sure, maybe.”
“You know … back when I was with an alpha … I don’t know which way around you are trying it, but what I was most scared of was … that it would hurt?” Lando took a little break, seeing Ollie swallow and pick at his jeans “Just tell him that that is the reason. Plus … if you’re slow and with lube … it doesn’t. Me telling you this doesn’t mean that I’m trying to force you forward now, okay?”
“Of course not, I know you wouldn’t do that.”

“But that would be such a clichee.” Maya said, shaking her head and taking a sip of her white wine.
“Really? I thought it would have been quite the good idea, a chef killing someone and then turning them into food!” Yuki said, Pierre looking at him a little scared.
“Well, it is, but it would need to be all the dishes that aren’t the first you think of, you know. No steak or neck, no ribs, stuff like that. It would all have to be turned into stuff you don’t think of, and I’m not sure if that would be too much of a cook book description then.” Maya explained.
“How about pulled pork?” Yuki suggested.
“You would have to sell a lot of pulled pork and what about the rest? Keep in mind, it should be a higher class restaurant.”
“Uuhm, lets think.” Yuki said, eating some potato “How about … if you drain them first, and use the blood as these little decorative drips or mix it in with the sauce, some pulled pork, casserole, and then I’m kind of running out, oh the bones for broth before you dump them, of course.”
“It doesn’t actually make a lot of dishes.” Maya agreed “But if we would add, like, one steak and something in a soup, like … meat in the soup or something, then it could work.”
“But the head chef can’t be the killer.” Yuki said, Pierre still watching them, eating slowly.
“No, that would be too obvious.” Maya agreed.
“Oooh!” Yuki suddenly said loudly “How about, not making it fine dining, but instead make it one of these uptight catering thingies for a wedding or something!” Kika and Pierre were now both staring at them, not eating anymore.
“That’s a good one, like a … bridesmaid in the fondant or something!” Maya said, looking excited.
“I actually more thought of a mother-in-law in the filling, but okay.” Yuki said and Maya lifted her glass, clinking it with Yuki’s water glass.
“Are you done?” Pierre asked “Like, are you, are you done? Because I want to eat and I can’t if you talk about my best man in the pudding.”
“BLACK PUDDING!” Yuki and Maya said at the same time, making Pierre shake his head.
“I’m sorry, we will stop.” Maya said and it was silent for a little bit.
“Great. Now there is no talk at all.” Kika said after a minute.
“I don’t think the black pudding would work; I pictured it as an outside summer wedding.” Maya said and Kika laughed.
“This is macabre as hell.” Kika said in between laughs, Pierre had stopped eating again.

“This was really needed.” Oscar said in the elevator, bringing them back up to their appartement.
“You look really happy.” Lando said “You really enjoyed it, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.” Oscar admitted “What do you think about a livestream? For me baking or cooking something? One of the influencers suggested that to me, it’s what she did when she had her baby last year. You can have the baby behind the camera and if they need something I’ll just leave the frame for a minute.”
“I can also take care of them during that time, you know? Be camera man and on daddy duty.”
“Also a great idea.”
“We could do it on the weekend? Call it a cook along or bake along or whatever?” Lando thought loudly.
“Yeah, I’ll give out the needed ingredients and stuff and then we can do it as a cook along before dinner or something.” Oscar said, starting to make up the dinner in his head already.
He had put out the ingredient and utensil lists the next day, Thursday, saying it would start on Saturday at 4pm, to make a three course meal, the recipe was posted in different measures for up to ten people.

“Alright people, welcome back to my new kitchen!” Oscar started after making sure the live stream was on “I know, most of you have seen pictures from the remodel already and there actually weren’t that many changes, but –“ the doorbell rang “ – really?” Oscar asked while Lando laughed.
“Keep going, I’ll answer.” Lando said from behind the camera and ran through the picture “Max! Hey, we are doing a live stream of Oscar cooking.” Lando whispered after opening the door.
“I know, you said but this one” he nodded to a jumping and smiling Penelope next to him “Is addicted to babies and just won’t leave it.” Max whispered back and Lando opened the door.
“Oh, and there are some … on set audience members?” Oscar asked when he saw them coming in, the camera only catching P’s hair running through the room before vanishing towards the babies in their little nest in the living area, slapping herself down next to them and babbling to them.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, she just wouldn’t leave it. Hey everyone” Max said into the camera, waving awkwardly “Don’t let me interrupt you guys.” He said, walking to the couch and sitting down off camera.
“Are going to stay for dinner?” Oscar asked, trying to hide a smile.
“Well … as you are already cooking.” Max shrugged and Lando laughed again.
“You want to drink something?” Lando asked.
“Oh, I’ll get some myself, I know my way around by now.” Max said, walking to the fridge, behind Oscar in the middle of the frame “Do you want something, too?”
“Oh, can you make a coffee, as you’re already there.” Lando said mockingly.
“Well, as I started, we will start the main course and while that is in the oven –“ Max started the coffeemaker, drowning out Oscar’s voice completely.

“I’M SORRY! I DIDN’T REMEMBER IT WAS THIS LOUD!” Max yelled over the machine grounding the beans, Oscar looking at the camera exasperatedly.
“YOU KNOW, SOME OF THEM ARE FOLLOWING THIS, BECAUSE THEY ARE GETTING GUESTS LATER! WE ARE ON A SCHEDULE HERE!” Oscar yelled.
“I’m sorry, I’ll be silent now.” Max said when the coffee was done, leaving the frame with the coffee and his water. Oscar was able to go on for about a minute, until there was a quite loud fart and gurgling sound followed by a huff in the background.
“LALA!” P yelled at Lando “Jamie go pooh!” Oscar broke out into laughter.
“Alright, thank you, P. Max will take over as camera man, I’ll leave for a bit.”
“Well, family life!” Oscar said, still laughing, throwing up his arms.

In the end, though, Oscar had enough time to finish the dinner. Pumpkin banana soup with figs, roasted chicken with sweet and purple potatoes, onions, shallots, carrot and bell peppers, the raspberry cheesecake for dessert still in the oven. Penelope would get some of the vegetables and some diced chicken.
“Alright everyone, this was it for today, I wish all of you a good dinner and feel free to post some pictures! Hashtag oscarssaturdaydinner, maybe we will make this a semi regular thing later?!”
“Also, as we are together, we decided to create some cake bars and like … power bars for Eigthy1. Five kinds each for a start and two new kinds of energy balls. It’s all coming out in the summer.” Oscar told them and ended the stream.
“Wow, you are really building the brand, don’t you?” Max asked.
“They are actually thinking of going into … like, everything else, going out of just the snack market and incorporate the full Oscar load, spices, recipe books, cooking and baking mixes, pre-made salads, smoothies and protein drinks, there is a massive amount of ideas floating around.” Lando babbled and Oscar threw him a look “But I never told you of any of this, of course.”

“So, you told him?” Dr. Samson asked.
“Yes, I did.” Max said “I don’t even know how I feel this way, you know? That’s why it feels so weird. I don’t win and I of course want to win, but I’m still … completely happy.”
“We talked about this many times, Max, you are so happy outside of racing … the happiness takes over.”
“Yes, but … I was happy before, too.” Max said.
“How were you happy? Why were you happy?”
“Because … I was winning.” Max said slowly “Do you think … that was some kind of coping?”
“Yes, I do.” She said calmly.
“Why did you never tell me?”
“Because I needed you to realize that yourself.” she said “After Kelly’s death, you inserted yourself into racing so much, you barely did or notice anything else except racing and your daughter, sometimes you met up with Lando and that was it. Now you have a life … a life full of people that make you happy. Friendships, relationships, you do things outside of Formula 1 racing. You’re streaming again and have a sim racing team.”
“Yeah, I do.” Max said looking out of the window for a bit “Maybe I should concentrate more onto racing.”
“Should you?”
“Well, I’m not winning anymore.”
“You finished behind others for a couple of races.”
“Yes, I didn’t win.”
“True. But is it only you?”
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
“If you cut people out of your life and concentrate more onto your racing, would you win?”
“Maybe … probably.” Max said, unsure.
“And what or who would you cut out?”
“I … don’t know.”
“Is there anyone or anything that you would actually want to cut out?”
“No” Max said almost instantly “But I really love racing and I really want to win.”
“And you will. I’m sure of that. Max … as a therapist, it’s my goal that my patients are happy. That you have a good life and actually live your life. I think that right now you are living. Not just for racing. Or for wins, but for yourself. There is nothing wrong with that.”
“Yeah, I am happy. I don’t want to change anything of … anything out of my racing.”
“That’s good. I really like that.” She said “Did you and Charles ever talk about the future. What will or might happen in the long term?”
“Not really. He kind of blocks off after a while. I think … maybe he’s scared or something? He’s nineteen. He’s eight years younger than me. He just started racing. I already had years in F1. I think he’s … he isn’t ready to think or talk about anything … after all of that. It’s okay for me, though. We know that we want to stay together. We’re in a good place.” Max said with a smile.
“Okay. Just promise me to talk to him if it starts to … not be okay anymore.”

Chapter 26: The one with the new things

Summary:

Logan visits a doctor and has news for Esteban.
Ollie drives to Lewis and they have a slumber party.
Daniel moves in with Nicole and she is ready for something that makes Chloe mad.
Lando and Oscar just want a nap.
Kika has some news for Pierre.

“Hey, everything okay?” Esteban asked, coming out into the appartement in Zurich, having visited his hotel for a bit while Logan was shopping. Logan now stood at the kitchen island, the groceries half unpacked, condense water dripping off the ice cream.
“Hmm? Oh, yeah, all good. Just daydreaming a little.” Logan said, giving him a quick kiss and starting to put away the groceries.
“Are you sure?” Esteban asked, watching Logan’s frantic behaviour.
“Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be? How was it at the hotel?” Logan said, taking out some cleaning supplies to clean the already clean island. A sign not to ask again, which Logan probably didn’t even know he gave.
“It was good. The extra beds arrived. Bookings are flying in. Some broken glasses, but reordered already. Some asshole guest made a big ruckus about us not having a reception and smashed some key boxes yesterday evening. Marie was still there and had to call the police. He was escorted and will get a pretty hefty bill. Also, no wonder, he’s blacklisted.”
“Ugh, some people.” Logan agreed, scrubbing the island.

“Alright … how is it going with Judd? Did the money transfer go without a hitch?”
“Yep, everything good. He shared the financials already, he stored some as a buffer for employee expenses and used some for a car upgrade and replacement parts. The rest is on hold for now.”
“Sounds good.”
“Yeah, I think this was a good decision as a first investment. I didn’t just give it blindly into a corporation, he let’s me see where the investment goes and will update me on the progress. From an investor’s position, I’m sure, if it keeps going like it does right now, we could triple the worth in the next two years, minimum.”
“Triple?” Esteban asked.
“Yeah, I mean, worth wise, they still are at the end of the grid. But now Carlos getting a top ten position again, the money boost from me which gives the upgrades, I’m sure they can stay in the top ten permanently, which then of course will earn them price money, prestige, sponsorships, so on and so forth.”
“Okay, wow.” Esteban said. They watched some tv after dinner and went to bed quite early.

“I was at the doctor’s today.” Logan said after some silence, his head on Esteban’s chest.
“Again? Is everything okay?” Esteban asked worried.
“The last time I was there … they did some tests and stuff, sent it to the labs. I was there because I wanted to get some birth control after I found out I have uterus and stuff. They said they wanted to do a real check-up first.” Logan said slowly “The results came back now. They also did a check up like … ultrasound inside or something. I can’t have any children, he said.”
“What?” Esteban asked softly, pulling Logan up so they would face each other.
“Apparently … the … the rapes did more damage than I thought. Something about the uterus and tubes getting damaged because I was so young. They weren’t fully developed and … well, it all got injured and ripped in places, then, due to no medical attention afterwards it healed incorrectly and all scarred and knotted up, closing it as well.” Logan explained.
“Cherie, I – “ Esteban didn’t really know what to say now, so he just pulled him close, kissing his hair.

 

Ollie drove back to Lewis’ house in Monaco. A little outside, not too far from the Stroll’s. Traditional style, white with terracotta shingles and dark wood. Two stories.
“Hey!” he shouted into the house.
“Welcome back!” Lewis yelled from the living room. Ollie walked up to him, looking on the pictures on the table “So, which one would you prefer?”
“Well … actually … uhm … what event are we choosing for?” Ollie asked, confused by the pictures.
“Met gala.” Lewis said.
“Oh, okay. Wasn’t that already?”
“Yes, but my stylist would like for me to narrow these in, just in case I’m getting invited next year, too.” Lewis said, holding two pictures side to side.
“Okay, between those two I would prefer this one” Ollie pointed at a black and gold outfit “But you know how good my taste in fashion is.” Ollie said with a smile and Lewis laughed.
“Yeah, you would probably show up in pyjamas again.”
“They called it a slumber party! It was not my fault!” Ollie said loudly.
“Susie is Scottish! She has an accent. All she said was summer party!”
“And who in their right mind would think you’re doing a summer party in March?!”
“Everyone else because we were in Australia?!” Lewis nagged him a little.
“I spent all that money on a stupid Armani pyjama for nothing.”
“Well, you did look really good in that.”
“Yes, I did.” Ollie agreed.

“I have to admit something.” Ollie said a little later.
“Okay, shoot.”
“I talked with Lando about us … me, I mean, not sleeping with you.”
“Oh, okay. So … what … uhm, what did he say?”
“Well, he told me that he had something going with an alpha a couple years ago – “
“Oh my GOD! So there really was something longer going on between him and Carlos!” Lewis yelled out “Sorry, you were talking.”
“He just suggested … that I might stop because I could be scared of the entering and … that it might hurt.” Ollie said, looking a little uncomfortable.
“Well, who ever said that you would have to bottom?” Lewis asked.
“Well … no one … I kind of just … assumed?”
“On what basis?”
“I don’t know, actually. I just … I don’t know.”
“I don’t have to top. If you want, we can start with me bottoming.” Lewis said.
“Really?” Ollie asked.
“Well, it wouldn’t be my first time bottoming. I could guide you if you want? You look surprised.”
“I … I kind of never thought you would offer to bottom. I don’t know why.” Ollie said, sitting down on the couch.
“Well, now you know that I offer.” Lewis said, sitting down with him “It is not my favourite position, but I’m fine with it. It can be really good as well.”

“Just go slow” Lewis said half an hour later, them laying in bed together, Ollie on top of him “Push steady, but hold right after you’re in.” Lewis guided him and Ollie pressed himself against Lewis’ ring of muscles, pushing in and then stopping after his head was inside.
“Is this okay?” Ollie asked “I can get more lube.”
“It is all okay.” Lewis said, calming him “When you’re ready, move further in. I’ll tell you if something is wrong.” Ollie nodded, kissing Lewis while pushing further in slowly. Lewis held his breath a little until Ollie was fully settled in.
“You still good?” Ollie asked.
“Yes, I am.” Lewis said with a smile.
“Okay, good.” Ollie said “Can I move?”
“Whenever you want to.” Lewis said and Ollie started moving soon after, picking up more speed soon.
“I … I can’t hold this up much longer.” Ollie said a couple minutes later, groaning into Lewis’ ear.
“Cum whenever you want, baby.” Lewis said, kissing his neck. Ollie came a minute later, moaning into Lewis’ neck before breaking down on top of him. He lifted his head up a little later, looking at Lewis, who smiled at him. He smiled back, then felt Lewis was still hard between them.
“You want to do me now?” Ollie asked and Lewis nodded.
“Just pull out slowly first.” Lewis said and they changed positions, Lewis lubing himself up generously.

Ollie winced and tensed up when Lewis entered, but relaxed during the following kisses, Lewis waiting for him to relax until moving further in. “How do you feel?”
“I feel … it feels a little … weird. It doesn’t hurt, though. It’s just … different.” Ollie said.
“Okay. Are you ready for me to move?” Lewis asked and Ollie nodded. Lewis started moving slowly, watching Ollie’s reaction. He kissed his neck while Ollie wrapped his arms around him, relaxing more. It only took them a couple more minutes, then Lewis came as well, groaning into Ollie’s neck before slowly pulling out and dropping next to him.

 

George and Lance stood at the side of the karting track at Arthur’s club, watching him set up his kart. He wanted to do it. George leaned forwards, wanting to intervene, but Lance held his hand to his chest, pushing him back and shaking his head. A couple seconds later Arti noticed that he took the wrong nut and switched it.
“See, he can do it.” Lance said crossing his arms with a smile.
“Yes, ma’am.” George said, earning an elbow to the ribs.
“Lance!” Arti yelled “Come look!” he then added, pointing at the kart. Lance and George stepped up to him, tightening the nuts.
“Everything in the right place.” Lance said, holding his hand out for a fist bump with Arti.
“Yes!” the little one said, bumping their fists.
Lance posted a video on social media a little later, Arti racing down the track, George chasing behind him, looking ridiculous, his long and lanky body squeezed into the kart.

 

Daniel stood in the doorframe looking into the garden. Nicole, Julia and Chloe sitting at the picknick table, set for breakfast. He had moved in. His appartement was sold this week. He was happy. He waited for Nicole to be ready to mate.
“Danny!” Chloe yelled and Daniel walked up to them, setting the new basket with rolls on the table, Chloe cuddling into his side.

“So” Nicole said when they were in their room in the evening “I asked Pascal if she could take the girls for the Austria race and a couple days after. She agreed.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Well … your birthday is the first of July, Monday after the Austria race. There is a really nice resort thing not far from the track and I thought that … maybe … I mean, if you ask me to mate you on your birthday … I wouldn’t say no.” Nicole said and Daniel stared at her for a moment.
“And you are sure you want to do that alone? You don’t want a dinner party before or something like that? That the girls aren’t there?”
“I am sure. I want it to be us. I want it to be just us … and only caring about ourselves for once.”
“Okay, then I’ll ask you again on my birthday. Any special suggestions or wishes?”
“No, well yes, don’t buy a lot of flowers and flower petals or stuff like that, please? It’s only being thrown away anyway.”
“Happily” Daniel said embracing her in a tight hug.

“And there is one more thing you should know.” Nicole said, pulling back a little and looking at him “I want to have a child. Your child.” She said and Daniel froze for a bit “What, I – I thought you wanted to be a dad?” she asked insecurely.
“Yes, I did, I do, I mean, but … I thought you were like …. you know … done having children? We already have Chloe and Julia.”
“I never said I was done having children. We had a talk about you always wanting them but that you also never dated a mom before and that it’s different, but I never said I don’t want another. I want to have your baby.”
“Well then … let’s get mated and pregnant.” Daniel said with a little chuckle, making Nicole laugh.
“You’re having your own baby?” Chloe asked from the door, scaring them both.
“Chloe! I thought you were already asleep, sweety?” Nicole asked.
“But what about us?” Chloe asked, looking at Daniel “What happens if you have your own?”
“What do you mean, why do you ask that?” Daniel asked, kneeling in front of her.
“You have your baby then!” Chloe said stubbornly, pushing away Daniel’s hands.
“I still don’t understand why you are angry. Don’t you want a baby brother or sister?” Daniel said calmly.
“NO!” Chloe yelled into his face “YOU WON’T LOVE ME THEN!” she yelled again and ran into her room, slamming the door. Daniel looked at Nicole for a moment before following Chloe.
“What’s happening?” Julia asked from her door, rubbing her eyes.
“Chloe got a little mad.” Daniel explained and Julia went back into her room.

“Chloe?” he softly asked, knocking on her door before opening it, walking up to her bed. She was buried in the nest Nicole made for each of her daughters, under her usual mountain of blankets and stuffies. “Chloe, why do you think I would stop loving you if we have a baby?” Daniel asked softly.
“Because it’s what always happens.” Chloe’s muffled voice said “You will have your baby then. Not someone elses.” Chloe said disappointedly.
“Chloe, can you look at me, please?” Daniel asked and waited for Chloe to turn around under her blanket, freeing her face and looking at him, the rest of her still buried under the stuffies “There is my little Chloe!” Daniel smiled happily “And that’s what you’ll always be, okay? I will not love you less than the baby we might have. I love you all the same. No baby is going to change that. You will always be my little fighter Chloe and that I’m not your sire doesn’t matter to me.”
“Will you promise?” Chloe asked.
“I promise.” Daniel said sincerely “Do you want to pinkie promise?” he asked and Chloe stretched her finger out of the blanket, hooking it with Daniel.

 

“Okay guys, I’m pooped.” Lando said to the stream “I have doctor’s appointments later, getting in some shots for the little ones. I hope you guys had some fun this afternoon and I’ll hopefully see some of you at the track tomorrow. Remember, signature hour starts at 2pm. Bye everyone!” Lando said with a wide smile and ended the stream. “My God!” he said, rubbing his face.
“You good?” Oscar asked, coming in with James.
“Yeah, just really tired.” Lando said, pulling Oscar and James onto his lap “How are our troublemakers doing?”
“Still stirring trouble. But they are all asleep now.” Oscar said “Sooooo … do you want some sexy time or some sleepy time?”
“I really want sleepy time.” Lando admitted.
“Then let us get a nap.” Oscar said, kissing him before getting up.

 

“What?!” Pierre asked, almost dropping Tony “Are – are – are – are you sure?” he then stuttered.
“Yes.” Kika said.
“Really really really sure?” Pierre asked again, still holding Tony at arms lengths, who happily kicked his legs and tried to eat his own fist, wearing a shirt displaying I’m a BIG brother.
“I was at the doctors today and he confirmed it.”
“But you only had one heat! We don’t work on one heat! It doesn’t happen in one heat!”
“It can, Pierre! And apparently to us as well. Aren’t – aren’t you happy about this?” Kika then asked a little bit worried.
“Oh, no, no, no, no. I am happy, I am, it’s just … it took us years to get Tony, I didn’t … I didn’t … just come here!” he then said, pulling Tony to his chest and hugging Kika, kissing her until Tony demanded attention by slapping his cheek.

Chapter 27: THe one where everything ends in chaos...

Summary:

Kevin has a little trouble while taking care of his kids while Louise is at a spa and calls for help...
Nico and Egle are taking care of their relationship ... until they get interrupted.
Lando and Oscar take the babies for some vaccinations and Oscar has some tea ... or does Lando already know?
The first day of the Monaco GP is drowning ... literally.

“How was your day? Got to relax a little bit?” Kevin asked, panting heavily while walking up to Louise, who just came home from her spa day.
“Yes, I’m very relaxed.” Louise said, kissing him and wiping a hand over his sweaty forehead “So for how long did you manage alone?” she then asked with a smile.
“About three hours, then they both demanded attention at once and Laura found the flour package, the new and completely FULL five kilo one of course.” He told her while she smiled “I wanted to reach Nico, but Kimi answered, he’s still living with them. Nico and Egle are on the beach with Noemi, so Kimi came over. He made something he called food and helped cleaning up, we played. He refused to change diapers, though.” Kevin admitted.
“Two little ones can be exhausting.” She said.
“Yeah, it really is. You really are a hero.” He smiled at her, hugging her close.

“Here!” Kimi came around the corner, stretching baby Agnes towards Kevin “Oh, hey Louise, welcome back. She pooped, your duty! Louise, if you’re hungry, there’s food left in the kitchen.” Kimi said, pushing Agnes into Kevin’s arms before leaving back to the living room.
“Okay, I’m on poop duty, be careful with the food.” Kevin said to her, taking her bag from her and making his way upstairs to the bedrooms. Louise went into the kitchen, seeing a pan on the stove.
“What is it?” she asked when she saw Kimi standing in the door.
“It’s a hot charcuterie board!” he smiled happily.
“A hot charcuterie board?” she asked, staring into the pan.
“Yeah, I saw it on tiktok!” Kimi said, leaving the kitchen again. Louise took a spoon and tried some of the yellow, brown and black mixture, which seemed to have some cut up sausage in it as well. It tasted weird.

“What do you think?” Kevin asked, stepping next to her.
“It’s … different. What exactly is in there?”
“Uhm … cheese, cucumber, grapes, celery, tomatoes, another kind of cheese, sausage and crackers. It’s all heated up together, the cheese melting, turning it into this huge glob as soon as it loses heat.”
“Well, it kind of reminds me of raclette, just that he put everything into one little pan.” Louise explained and Kevin laughed. Using the excuse that they already had the hot charcuterie for lunch, Kevin opened some frozen veggies and made some rice and chicken with it. They gave Kimi the rest to take with him. He made his way to Nico and Egle’s house, who’s guest room he still lived in. He insisted on paying them rent, though. His parents where still scared to let him live alone in a foreign country, and Kimi was quite happy living with the Hülkenbergs. They had bought a little house a couple years back. Four bedrooms, two and a half bath with a nice little yard and sandbox for Noemi to play in.

 

“OH MY GOD!” he exclaimed, dropping the container in his hand, closing his eyes and wanting to turn around and just leave the house again, but he was unlucky and smacked directly against the doorframe, making himself fall down to the floor.
Egle let out a yelp. Nico tried to hide her behind him, turning them around. Sadly, the kitchen counter wasn’t wide enough for that and they both fell to the floor, still an entangled mess of limbs.
“I - We – Where were you?!” Egle asked out of breath, untangling herself from Nico, who just laid on the floor, groaning uncomfortably.
“I was at Kevin’s, he called and wanted to ask you, but you were gone so I went. WHY DO YOU HAVE SEX IN THE KITCHEN?!” Kimi started yelling, rolling around on the floor in pain, holding his face.
“I thought you were already sleeping. It was so silent and the door was closed.” Nico groaned, slowly getting up from the floor, pulling on his underwear.
“It’s 7pm!” Kimi let out, pulling his hand from his face “YOU MADE ME BLEED!”
Egle quickly pulled over her dress and helped Kimi up, walking him over to a chair.
“Let me see” she said softly, pulling away his hand “Oh dear” she let out, getting a disinfectant wipe from somewhere and started pushing her fingers against his face, making him almost cry in pain “Kimi we should go see a doctor, I think your nose is broken.” Egle said calmly.
“You broke my nose!” Kimi said to Nico, who still stood on the other side of the kitchen.
“I didn’t break your nose!” Nico said defensively.
“IT DOESN’T MATTER!” Egle said loudly “Now, I will drive to the hospital with Kimi and you keep an eye on Noemi, alright?” Egle more said than asked, taking her purse and the car keys before leaving the house.
Kimi turned, looking at Nico in confusion. The door opened again a couple seconds later, Egle coming back and pulling Kimi with her.

 

“What are you doing here?” Kimi heard a voice ask behind him when they stood at the reception desk of the hospital. He turned around.
“Oh, never mind.” Lando said with a laugh, a baby strapped to his front, Oscar standing next to him, the other two babies in a carriage.
“How the hell did that happen?” Oscar asked with a nod to Kimi’s swollen face, traces of blood still on his nose and chin.
“Nico and Egle had sex in the kitchen.” Kimi said shortly, causing a little silence.
“Just to make sure … you were involved in that how?” Lando asked.
“You dirty little bastard!” Kimi let out “I walked in on them, closed my eyes, turned around and slammed against the doorframe.” Lando laughed.
“Oh well … I had really hoped for another explanation.” Lando said, getting a push from Oscar “What? I’m waiting for a little scandal this year. Would be fun having one with a little dirty time involved, it got quite boring in the paddocks these past years. Ollie and Lewis was something, but still.” Lando said and Oscar tried to hide a smile “Oh WAIT, I’m missing tea? No, that’s not okay, you can’t do that, you HAVE TO tell me.” Lando said to Oscar.
“Not here.” Oscar calmed him for now.

“WHAT?!” Lando screeched when they were back at the house, the babies in the nest in the bedroom. “Are you trying to fool me or something?”
“No” Oscar said with a chuckle.
“But like … how, I mean … what?” Lando asked again.
“Charles is being cuffed or something like that most of the time and orgasm denial, those are their most used ones.” Oscar said and Lando looked at him “Wait … you are not shocked …. You KNEW?”
“Well … I didn’t know that he’s doing BDSM with Charles, but I knew that he was into it. I … saw some accessories or gadgets or whatever a couple months after their wedding and asked, so he told me about it.”
“So, I hid that from you all this time and I just could have talked about it with you?!” Oscar asked.
“How did you know about it, anyway?!” Lando asked.
“Charles needed someone to talk to after he found out that Max is into it. I promised him not to tell anyone.” Oscar explained.
“So … did you ever think about it?” Lando asked after a bit.
“Yes, of course. I’m not sure I would like it though. When Charles came over and we started googling and … watching some of that … I didn’t think of it as disgusting or something, but … I can’t see myself playing either part of that and I also … I can’t picture myself enjoying these things. I like touching you. I like embracing you and I love our whispers. I like it the way we do it and how we do it.”
“I really like that, too.”
“Did you ever think about it?”
“Yes, after Max and I talked about it. It was pretty much the same for me. I get that some people enjoy other things and that’s okay, but I can’t imagine myself tying you up or anything like that. I prefer the way we do it, too.” Lando smiled at him.
“So, we are completely happy vanilla people?” Oscar asked.
“Yes, I guess we are very happy vanilla people.” Lando laughed.

 

“What happened to you?!” Ollie exclaimed in horror, looking at Kimi.
Now, the day after the initial incident, his nose was still swollen, being indeed broken. Additionally, he had some bruises running down his face and a slight black eye.
“He ran into a doorframe.” Nico said with a laugh.
“How did you do that?!” Charles asked.
“Yeah, Nico, how did that happen?” Kimi asked Nico, crossing his arms.
“Well … Egle and I participated in some marital duties … he walked in on us and tried to flee. Boom.”
“That’s what’s happening if you walk into people’s bedrooms without knocking!” Ollie said with a wide smile.
“I was walking into the kitchen.” Kimi said shortly and walked into the driver’s meeting.
“WE THOUGHT YOU WERE ASLEEP!” Nico yelled after him, Charles and Ollie laughing loudly.
“You’re not as boring as I thought you were!” Fernando said with a slap on Nico’s shoulder.
To the press they called it a household accident.

 

Lando was annoyed. He liked Monaco, of course. Oscar was in the paddock somewhere, having a PR thing with Eighty1, his mum was with the babies at home.
He just didn’t like the track in comparison to the car. Overtaking was hard, the track being way too narrow for two cars next to one another, even being impossible at places.
He didn’t mind the close barriers. It was the same in Singapore and Vegas. It was the lack of excitement. If you’re making yourself broad enough, you should keep your place, but if everyone does it, there won’t be any overtaking. No fighting. Nothing what made racing racing, in his mind.

“Alright, practice is on, let’s get some laps in!” Andrea said through the intercom “Ollie will go first, Lando shortly behind. The cars are adjusted as we agreed, feedback appreciated.” A mechanic stepped in front of each of their cars, holding up a hand. Lando’s looked left and right, then into the garage, smiling and waving with his other hand. Lando wanted to turn around, but then Oscar already kneeled next to him, opening his visor a little.
“I’m sorry for being late.” Oscar said quickly.
“Don’t worry, I saw you earlier, you were busy!” Lando said.
“Yeah, it’s going to a long day, we are having a show cooking between practices. But now you concentrate on the track, alright? I love you, Lan.” Oscar said, squeezing his head under the halo and kissing the helmet, just beneath his visor.
“I love you too, baby!” Lando said just before Oscar closed the visor and pulled his head out of the halo, stepping back behind the little barrier in the back of the garage, taking the headset Zak handed him.

Lando drove out of the garage, right behind Kevin’s Williams. He created a little space, before entering the track, Yuki behind him.
They had some rain predicted for this weekend, but up until now everything seemed well, although there were some dark clouds coming from the mountains. They started with a longer stint, wanting to test if medium tires were good for this weekend, it being really hot, having passed the thirty degree mark before 10am. He had just started his 8th lap, heaven opened it’s doors. Literally. It went from light and sunny to dark and storming in seconds. It felt like somebody turned off the lights.

“I can’t see anything! I need to slow down.”
“Slow down, back to box! Red flag coming!” he heard Kimi say. He slowed down, rain pouring down mercilessly and it started to hail. He was approaching the hairpin and tried to break, but his car just kept sliding forward.
“Aquaplaning!” he warned over the intercom, but he was lucky, the car getting a little grip before hitting the wall, stopping and giving him the chance to slowly make his way around the corner. Logan wasn’t as lucky. He slid down the track, turning slightly sideways. His tires locked and like in slow motion, he went against the barriers, damaging the front wing before continuing on, inching forwards behind Lando. They went slowly forwards and through the tunnel, finally getting some artificial light and grip. They came back out slowly after.

“Attention! Crash- oh, you’re already there.” Kimi said through the intercom, trying to warn him. Valtteri and Pierre had collided just behind the exit of the tunnel. Thankfully, Logan was able to stop behind him without hitting him and Lando saw another car stopping behind Logan as well. “Just wait a minute.” Kimi instructed and Lando put his car on neutral. “Okay, new order. Practice is aborted indefinitely. Turn off the car and leave the track to the left hand side, wait at the tunnel entrance, somebody will come and get you all.”
“Us all?” Lando asked.
“There were more cars on the track, Lando. See you soon.” Kimi said and Lando turned off the car. Normally a total no-go.

Lando got out of the car and jumped on the track. His front wing was outside the tunnel, collecting some of the hail. He looked into the tunnel.
Logan, Lance, Charles, Max, Fernando and Nico, all parking their cars in the tunnel.
A couple minutes later a small bus came to them, bringing them all to the pit lane. The water stood higher than their heels, people desperately trying to pile sandbags and other barriers in front of the garages.
Lando saw Oscar helping to push lift Ollie’s car and cover it up.
A couple garages down, Kika used a bucket to throw water back into the lane, outside of the garage. They had managed to build up a row of sandbags, but the water was almost high enough to flow over them.
From behind them, a transporter entered, carrying more sandbags and inflatable barriers, mechanics from all directions running towards it and trying to get as many as they could.
Haas, who were at the other end of the pit lane, also had two mechanics coming over.
Their garage was located lowest of them all, them getting the brunt of it all. They had ripped down the big signs with Nico’s and Kimi’s names, using them as barriers.
“Shit” Nico let out and ran over to them.

Lando looked back towards McLaren. They seemed fine. A stable barrier and their cars safe, so he ran after Nico.
Egle and some mechanics pushed used tires behind the signs, giving them more stability, the sandbags alone not able to hold the pressure.
Kimi’s car was lifted up and covered, Kimi helping to pull all their materials and tools from the lower cabinets to save them from the dirty water.
There was still a leak in the barrier, letting in water in the middle of the garage.
Egle pulled off her cardigan, trying to squeeze it in the hole, stopping the water.
Nico reached her, pulling some towels from somewhere to help.
Lando threw his helmet somewhere on a cabinet and helped one of the mechanics carrying the replacement front wings into the garage, placing them on some chairs for now.
They had just carried in the second wing when Lando heard a loud yelp from somewhere up the pitlane, and then saw someone being caught by the rushing water and shooting down the pit lane.

Without thinking twice, he ran into the middle of this river, catching the person and roughly pulling them towards the garage, Ayao showing up next to him and helping him. In the garage he saw it was Kika, now drowned from head to toe in dirty water and mud.
“I hate rain” she answered to Lando asking if she was alright. Pierre showed up at the entrance of the garage, almost falling down.
“Oh my God! You’re okay. Do you feel okay? Is everything okay with you?” Pierre babbled, hugging her tightly.
“Yes, I’m fine, thanks to Lando.” Kika said looking at Lando, who just looked at her, smirking “What?”
“So the second time it happens faster, huh?” Lando said, nodding at Pierre’s hand on Kika’s stomach.
“Well, apparently.” Kika said.
“All the best, guys.” Lando said and continued helping around the garage some more before going back to his own.

Chapter 28: THe one with a good and a bad return

Summary:

Oscar 'returns' to adult society during the Monaco GP.
Logan meets a face from the past he had hoped to never see again.

P.S.: Oh my God, please make this rain stop! I want to see a race! But yes, safetey first, it's Spa after all.

“Lando! There you are!” Oscar said happily.
“I was helping at Haas, they almost drowned over there.” Lando said, stepping over the sandbags and into the garage. It was still drizzling.
“Alright you guys, let’s go to the hospitality, I could use a coffee.” Zak said to them.
“Did they say anything about second practice?”
“No, not yet. Oh, Oscar you have your cooking thing now! Lando can watch, we have nothing to do at the moment.” Zak then remembered.
“Oh right, damnit.” Oscar said, then looked down at his dirty and wet shirt.
“Let’s get one from my room.” Lando said. Ten minutes later, his hair rubbed dry and in a new, slightly too big shirt of Lando’s, Oscar stood in the little hall where he did the show, presenting the new bars they had made for Eighty1 and also making some smoothies, as well as homemade granola. Lando sat behind an Eighty1 banner on the side of the stage, Oscar and some celebrity chef being on the stage.

“That’s not a combination I had in mind.” The chef said to one of their smoothies.
“Oh, don’t worry, if I’m not sure if something is good, I test it.”
“You test it yourself?” the chef asked while Oscar filled some of the smoothie into a glass.
“Oh no, watch this … Lando! Smoothie for you!” Oscar said a little louder and with a loud laugh, accompanied by even more laughter from the audience, Lando walked up to them, tasting some of the smoothie.
“Well” Lando said after a couple of sips “You know celery isn’t my favourite, so … I’ll consider it if you hide the taste with something else.”
“For example” Oscar said to the audience and Lando “Berries, cocoa powder, ginger or mango.” He explained and Lando let out a pained groan at ginger “Of course, you don’t have to use the one option out of many that you don’t like either.” Oscar said, smiling at Lando. He added some berries and cocoa powder into the blender and turned it back on, drinking the rest of the left over smoothie himself. He then poured a new glass for Lando, handing it to him for a taste test. Thumbs up and smiling widely.
“Lando!” he heard a whisper yell from the side of the stage. Zak. “It’s time for practice!”
“Oh well then, Lando needs to go! Let’s go Lando!” Oscar cheered a little and Lando left the stage, just to come back a second later, taking the glass with him.
It had stopped raining in the meantime. The track was still wet and the pit lane held some water, but practice was green lighted by the race director. They started on inters and later changed to mediums, having good results.

Oscar and Lando went home together, the streets empty again, all the spectators had already left.
“I like it like this. Just walking, no one trying to talk to us. It’s nice sometimes.” Lando said, his arm loosely wrapped around Oscar’s shoulders.
“Yeah, it is pretty nice.” Oscar agreed, his arm around Lando’s waist. They reached their building a couple minutes later and walked into the appartement, an amazing smell hitting them. “Oh, your mum made lasagne!” Oscar whisper yelled.
“You can talk normally. They are asleep in your nest and all possible doors between them and us are closed.” Cisca said, already wearing her sleeping dress “I’m going to bed, well, maybe read a little. They were really a handful today.”
“Oh, what happened?” Oscar asked.
“I don’t know. They were just … cranky somehow. But there is nothing wrong with them. No temperature, no diarrhoea, it wasn’t too warm, maybe it was the crazy weather or they just made up a master plan of annoying their grandma today because they missed their mama.” Cisca said “The lasagne is in the oven, it should be heated up in about five minutes. Good night!”
“Good night! Thank you for taking care of them!” Lando said.

Oscar decided to stay home the next day, the babies being cranky again. Lando went to the track, seeing it almost back to normal, only some dirty and muddy corners and waterlines left, showing how high the water was the day before.
They got in a good couple of laps, making some last adjustments to the set ups.
Qualifying went well for them, Lando starting on pole, followed by Charles, Logan, Ollie, Max, Esteban, Lewis, George, Lance and Yuki.

Lando walked towards the side entrance, together with George, Lance, Logan, Charles and Max. Charles was just talking when they saw some people standing in between some trailers. Alex’ boyfriend Sam and some other man. Logan froze, dropping his can of coke and his sports bag from the other hand.
“I apologize, I didn’t want to intrude.” The unknown man said, walking past them “It was nice to see you again, Logan.” He added with a weird smile and touched his shoulder while walking past. Sam didn’t say anything and just walked away to the other direction.
Logan stood still frozen, hearing the other’s voice only muffled, until Max touched his shoulder. He aggressively pushed his hand away, punched him in the face and then doubled over, vomiting on the pavement. He fell forward, vomiting even more, crouched down on his hands and knees. The world flimmered in front of his eyes. Lance ran away. Max and Lando kneeled next to him, he heard their voices muffled. Then someone else kneeled with them, right next to him. He looked up shakily. Esteban.

“He’s here. He’s here.” Logan whispered.
“What? Who’s here?” Esteban asked, but Logan just looked down on the pavement, heaving drily and panting heavily “What happened?” Esteban asked the others.
“Sam was here and some other guy. Logan saw him and just … froze up.” Charles explained.
“He said it was nice to meet Logan again and then he left.” George added.
“He was like … I don’t know. In a trance or something? I touched his shoulder and he punched me before starting to vomit.” Max continued.
“Who was that, Logie?” Esteban asked Logan again.
“He touched me.” Logan whispered “He touched me again.” And Esteban understood.
“Can I bring you home? Can I help you up?” Esteban asked softly and Logan nodded, stretching his hand towards Esteban, letting him help him up.
“I’m sorry.” Logan said to Max.
“It’s all good.” Max said “Can we help you somehow?” he asked and Logan looked around, panic in his eyes.
“Stay close, just in case he comes back.” He whispered again and they left together. Max and Lando first, then Esteban and Logan, George and Lance at the back.

They walked to their appartement building, going up with the elevator to Logan’s appartement. Logan took off his shoes and went straight into the bathroom, the shower starting a moment later.

“Esteban, what the hell is going on here?” George asked.
“It’s … let’s sit down and wait for him, okay? It’s not my story to tell.” Esteban said, handing them all something to drink, Max an icepack for his face and they sat down on the couches in the living area. Logan came out of the bathroom ten minutes later.
“Oh, you’re all still here.” He said heavily, sitting down next to Esteban.
“Of course. We are worried about you.” Charles said “Who was that guy?” he asked and Logan looked at Esteban, who took his hand.
“Only what you want to tell. No force.” Esteban assured him. It took Logan a minute, then he started talking.

“His name is Bill Hughes. He was a teacher at my first boarding school in England. When I was thirteen … he started molesting me … he made me drunk and then raped me. No one believed me. I didn’t have friends back then. The other teachers said I must have imagined it or wanted it or whatever. It went on for two years … then I tried to kill myself … the doctor in town believed me. He contacted the police. Hughes got two years in prison. I never saw him until today. The boarding school kept everything silent. That’s why I don’t drink … and why I’m sometimes … hesitant with touches.” Logan told them.
“Logan, I …” Max started, but didn’t know how to continue.
“I don’t want you to say that you’re sorry for me or something.” Logan said and they nodded.
“Okay, just promise to tell us if you need help or if he shows up, please. You’re safe with us.” Lando said and Logan nodded. The other’s excused themselves shortly after, but Lance stayed behind a little longer.
“I’ll catch you downstairs.” Lance said to George and he left, looking a little confused “I’ll need to talk to Logan alone, if that’s alright? Just for a minute.” He said after George left the appartement. Esteban looked at Logan and he nodded.
“I don’t have to tell you what kind of people my dad knows.” Lance started when they were alone “Do you want something to be done to him?” Lance asked and Logan was silent for a while.
“I can’t be responsible for something like that. I wished I could, but … I can’t ask for that.” Logan said.
“Alright. Would it be okay for me to tell my dad what Bill Hughes did to someone?”
“I guess I can’t keep you from talking to your dad.” Logan said.
“Okay. Take care, alright.” Lance said and left as well, meeting George in the lobby.
“You all good?” George asked when they walked back to Lance’s car, which still stood at the paddock.
“Yes, of course.” Lance said.
“You’re going to get him killed, aren’t you?” George asked when they drove back to the Stroll’s villa in the mountains.
“I’m not going to get him killed. Logan doesn’t wants to be responsible for that.” Lance said while driving down the road “But I am going to warn my dad about a person like that being in the paddock.”
“Got it.” George said “I kind of like that thought.”

“Dad?” Lance asked into the office, Lawrence sitting at the desk, doing some work on his computer.
“Hey, you guys are back. Did you already have dinner?” Lawrence asked.
“Yes, we did. It’s 9pm.” Lance said, stepping in and closing the door.
“Oh, with a closed door.” Lawrence said.
“I’m going to … I never thought I would ask this or something. Although I’m not really asking something, but you will know anyway.” Lance babbled and let out a little laugh at the end.
“Lance? Just spill it.” Lawrence said.
“I have a friend … no, let’s start differently.” Lance said and sat down in the chair in front of his father’s desk “I saw someone in the paddock today. His name is Bill Hughes. He’s … middle aged, taught in racer’s boarding schools in England. I’m not sure which topic he taught.” Lance said and stopped talking.
“Okay, what’s so special about this guy?” Lawrence asked, not really understanding.
“He was convicted about … five or six years ago. He molested a teenage boy at his school for more than two years. Nobody wanted to believe that boy and he even tried to kill himself.” Lance said and Lawrence’s face stonewalled more with each word.
“I guess you don’t exactly want to ask me to do something?”
“My friend said he doesn’t wants to be responsible if something does happen.”
“I get it. Then … talking to your dad isn’t a crime. You just told me something, you didn’t ask for anything.” Lawrence said with a little smile and pulled the keyboard back towards himself.
“Thank you.” Lance said and got up.
“Please close the door when you leave.” Lawrence said and Lance closed the door, seeing Lawrence take a phone from one of the drawers in his desk.
“I was a bad man again today.” Lawrence said when he laid in the nest with Pascal.
“Are you sure?”
“What do you mean?”
“I saw Lance walking into your office and closing the door. He never does that, so I guess he asked you to do something. If Lance asks you to do something, it must have been for a good cause.” Pascal said.
“He didn’t actually ask me. He just told me a story. Someone close to him was molested as a child for a really long time. The person showed up here now. He will die this weekend.”
“You are protecting your son, his friends and those include my sons as well. I would never be mad about something like that.” Pascal said and kissed him “But I didn’t hear any of this.”

 

“Hey, you’re back late.” Oscar said.
“Yes, sorry, something came up.” Lando said, kissing him.
“It’s all fine, I just wondered. You want me to heat up the food?” Oscar asked and Lando’s stomach growled “I guess yes.”
“I’ll just take a quick shower.” Lando said.
“Food will be done when you’re back.” Oscar said and Lando left for the shower, stopping at the day nest with the babies for a minute.
“This was really good.” Lando said, finishing his rice and vegetable stir fry while holding Isabelle in his arm, bouncing her softly while giving her her bottle.
Oscar sat opposite to him, James on his arm. Jacob was already back in the nest, stretching around and kicking his legs, letting out weird baby noises.
“Oh, are you trying to lift your head?” Lando cooed “I think you have to wait a little bit longer for that, sweety.” He said to the struggling Isabelle. He pulled her up to burp her, holding her against his shoulder while softly clapping her back. She was still moving around her head, probably trying to lift it up “Well then, keep going.” Lando said with a smile.
“They should also hit a growth spurt soon, thank God we got all of those clothes from Max and Pierre.”
“Oh, by the way, I think we will have to bring them back after we’re done.”
“Really, why?”
“I’m pretty sure Kika is pregnant.” Lando said and Oscar smiled “You already knew.”
“She was panicking a little after she found out.” Oscar admitted.

Logan and Esteban laid in bed, cuddling. Logan was wearing his favourite sweatshirt again, hood pulled low into his face. They had the tv on, not really watching a documentary on birds.
“Lawrence is going to get someone to kill him.” Logan said after a long silence.
“I guessed that much.” Esteban said, pulling Logan closer.
“I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“Well … if he dies … he can’t hurt anyone ever again.” Esteban said “No one. Ever.”
“Yeah”

 

The taxi stopped somewhere on the side of the road.
“We’re not at the hotel, yet.” Bill Hughes said to the driver.
“I know” the driver said, getting out of the taxi and letting someone else in. Hughes wanted to get out, but was pushed back into the car immediately, a syringe emptied into his arm.
He woke back up. He was strapped to a chair, his chest bare. “What? What is happening?”
“Oh, you will know soon enough.” A man said, sitting down on a chair in front of him “I heard you like hurting young boys.” He sing-sang.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Hughes said.
“Of course you don’t.” the other man scoffed, pulling out a knife and twirling it in his hand “They never know or remember anything, but don’t worry, you don’t need to tell us. We know anyway.” The man planted the knife in his thigh while someone else held a cloth over his mouth to muffle his screams.
No one else would ever see him again. Lye is a very good thing to have.

“You don’t look well.” Christian said, looking at Logan before the race.
“I know, but I’m good to drive. I won’t let anyone hold me back from this race.” Logan said, looking straight into his eyes.
“Okay” Christian said, slapping his shoulder “Now let’s race.”

Chapter 29: The one with a new Grand Prix winner and a little bit of everything

Summary:

Kika and Maya are spending some time together in the hospitality.
Christian and Max have a little talk about the future.
Yuki finds out why Pierre is defensive.
Maya and Yuki visit the Stroll's mansion and remember they have a little anniversary.
Logan and Esteban are having fun ... and hear things Este doesn't wants to hear.

Kika and Maya sat in the hospitality, sitting on the floor with Tony and Boot, letting them play carefully.
“Prudent, prudent, trés gentil.” Maya said to Tony. The dog didn’t have experience with children and Tony was an excited little kid, who didn’t learn any caution yet.
“You speak French?” Kika asked Maya while gently releasing Tony’s grab on some of Boot’s fur.
“A little, more like … small talk level things.” Maya smiled. Tony leaned forwards a little bit.
“Ohoh” Kika said.
“What?” Maya asked, but it was answered immediately. Tony let out a fart and pooped with a little grunt, Boot ripped his head away from the baby and let out a little bark. Kika and Maya laughed, confusing Tony and Boot at first, then Tony just laughed with them while Boot slowly stepped backwards. Kika picked Tony up and changed him while Maya did a little walk with Boot.
“Hey there!” Yuki said to Boot, kneeling and petting the dog while he tried to jump up and into his arms “How are you guys doing?” he asked Maya.
“We’re good. We were on a little walk while Tony got changed. They had a little playtime, I think it could turn into a really good friendship there.” Maya said and Yuki got up, carrying Boot now.
“Do I get a good luck kiss?” he asked while handing Boot to her.
“Of course” she said, kissing him before being told to step back and that Yuki needed to get on the grid, the race starting soon.

They all fought tooth and nail during the race. Logan had overtaken Charles directly at the start, staying behind Lando constantly, putting him under pressure.
Charles, Ollie and Esteban were having a fight for the third spot on the podium, while Lewis, Lance and Yuki had their hands full with Mick, Kevin and Kimi behind them, trying to push into the points.
George was unlucky, in the third lap he took a corner too tight and punctured his tire, limping back into the pit lane and dropping down the field.
He spent the rest of the race fighting with Valtteri, Zhou, Daniel, Pierre and Nico.
In the end, Logan won in the in the chicane near the pool.
Lando understeered, taking the turn too wide, and through was Logan. Lando swore up a storm on the intercom.
Logan won his first race, crying and laughing at the same time.
Lando finished behind him, followed by Ollie, making it a double podium for McLaren.
The points were completed by Esteban, Charles, Lewis, Yuki, Lance, Kimi and Kevin.
Fernando and Mick just missed the points.
Max blew a tire in the middle of the race, dropping him to 13th.

 

“Hey, how is it going?” Christian asked Max when he sat down in his office in the hospitality.
“Good, how are you?” Max asked.
“Good, so far. We have something to talk about, though.”
“Ohoh.”
“A small ohoh.” Christian said, sitting down “How do you feel? How are you really doing?”
“I’m doing good.” Max said, a little bit confused “I’m happy. I could have been a little bit luckier today, would have gotten us some points.”
“Good … as we’re talking about that … uhm … how about … you trying to make a couple more points in the next races?” Christian asked, looking a little uncomfortable.
“Are you putting me on the hot seat?” Max asked after a little silence.
“No Max, I don’t.” Christian said, looking down “But we do have investors, who expect results and, in their minds, there is no difference between a tire failure and bad driving. It’s a point or no point. And they want points.”
“Understood.”
“Good. Now go home to your daughter, she deserves some daddy and me time.”
“Okay, thank you Christian.”
“Always, champ.” Christian said with a smile and watched Max walking out of the hospitality.

Maya drove them, Yuki as a passenger princess and Pierre and Kika in the back, Tony in between them, Boot laying on Tony and letting him cuddle him.
“The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round” Maya lowly sang to the song she put on. Kika talked silently to Tony. She stopped at the side entrance of Pierre and Kika’s building, getting out of the car while Kika took Tony’s seat out of the back. Pierre wanted to step out as well when Maya just took the diaper bag from him and pushed him back into the car ‘to give the men some time to themselves’.

“Okay, your girlfriend is a little weird, you know?” Pierre said.
“Aren’t we all?” Yuki asked, turning around.
“Point taken and what is this all about?” Pierre asked.
“It’s probably about you being silent.”
“I’m silent?!”
“Yes, you are. You don’t talk to me, you barely look at me.” Yuki said “Even now. It’s only us and you still don’t look at me. We’re talking less than we did when I was still in RB. What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on.” Pierre said.
“Oh fuck you, Pierre!” Yuki yelled and Pierre stared at him “What?! Why are you staring at me like that? What is going on, Pierre?!”
“I’M JEALOUS OF YOU, OKAY?!” Pierre suddenly yelled “You make points, every single fucking race this season! And people love you for it! And I don’t make any points! At all! I’m the simple minded add-on, the … hand bag of the big conqueror who’s bringing Alpine back to the top! The face of the future!”
“Seriously?” Yuki asked deadpanned after a couple seconds of silence “Jealousy? That’s why you’ve been like this?! Fuck the stupid points, Pierre! I want my friend back! Have I ever avoided you when you were better? Which was pretty much all the time at Alphatauri, might I add?!” Pierre stared at him for a moment, then just left the car, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.

“Doesn’t look like there was a good ending.” Maya said when she got back into the car.
“He’s like this because he’s jealous that I’m getting more points than him.”
“Really? Imagine you would have been like that.” Maya smirked “That’s Lance’s address, right?” she asked after setting the navigation system.
“Yep. I still don’t know why we eat with them, though.”
“Because George is a fan of mine and he never had the chance to like … really meet and he happens to be almost living with them.” Maya told him.
“Well, as long as the food is good.” Yuki mumbled.

“BOOT!” Arthur yelled excitedly, throwing a stick for the dog. They sat on the terrace at the back of the Stroll’s mansion. Maya, Yuki, George, Lance, Pascal and Lawrence.
“What are you thinking?” Pascal asked Maya, who had tilted her head sideways and scrunched up her nose.
“What kind of stone is the mountain made of?” Maya asked.
“How would I know?” Pascal asked confused.
“Humus soil, loam and a lot of stones.” Lawrence said.
“So not easy to, like, dig in and stuff?”
“The lower parts yes, but the higher you go, the tougher the terrain will be.”
“Oh, okay, too bad.” Maya said, sipping on her lemonade.
“What were you trying to do?” Pascal asked confused.
“I’m always sampling ideas for my books.” Maya said.
“Well … it would be a really nice hunting ground, I guess.” Lance said.
“Yeah, but that has been written already, it would need a special twist then.”
“How about something underground?” George asked.
“For what reason?” Maya asked.
“What?” George asked back.
“Why are they underground? Why do they do it underground?”
“I don’t know … lack of space? Very silencing.”
“Hmmm” Maya let out.
“Writing really is everything for you, isn’t it?” George asked.
“Yeah. It didn’t matter what was going on in my life, my books were always there and I could always write as well. It is my safe haven and my happy place. It’s my job, my hobby, my life and my love. I don’t ever want to do anything else.”

The evening ended an hour later, after Maya signed George’s books and they also took some pictures. They then searched around for Boot and Arthur, finally finding them in the little playhouse, cuddled up together and sleeping. Yuki carried Boot, who woke up when he was lifted up, but apparently refused to move and preferred to be carried around. He was probably spent from all the running around. He was a small dog after all, not a big labrador who was able to run for hours and still have energy left.
Lawrence lifted up Arthur while Lance and George held open the roof, and laid him against his chest, Arthur babbling something about going faster or he will get overtaken in his sleep.

“It was a nice evening after all, wasn’t it?” Maya asked in the car, on the way back to Yuki’s appartement near the marina.
“Yeah, it was fun. I’ve never hung out in that combination before.” Yuki admitted.
“You know, we have something else to celebrate tonight.” Maya started and Yuki looked at her.
“Did I forget an anniversary or something?”
“No, you didn’t.” Maya laughed “I looked through my accounts this week because, you know, I want to add a wintergarden and I found out that this week, my wealth officially crossed the one million thresholds.” Maya smiled.
“Wow! So, my girlfriend is a millionaire now! I’m even less.” Yuki said sarcastically “Congratulations, though, really!”
“Why are you even less?” Maya asked.
“Come on, you are a published author, you finished college at fucking Cambridge and you renovated a house. I barely finished high school.”
“Because you were already investing all of your time into racing! There are millions of authors around the world and a lot of them are really successful, I’m having a good start, but I’m not in the top 100 yet. You are ONE of only TWENTY racers.” She then smirked “And you are WAY more loaded than I am.”
“And my career could be over any time I’m racing a car, you wouldn’t just lose it all. You made a smarter choice to have a secure job.”
“Neither one of us made a choice.” Maya said, opening the garage door “We were sucked in and fell in love with what we do. For you it’s racing, for me it’s writing. I have more fantasy but would pee myself during a race, remember the one lap you did with me in that ‘slow car’ as you called it? You are racing really successfully but have the writing skill of a tomato.”
“A tomato?” Yuki asked.
“First thing that popped into my mind, I don’t know why.” Maya said and Yuki chuckled “Oh wait, today is actually our anniversary! Today four months ago we called ourselves a couple for the first time!”
“Oh … happy anniversary! Should I have a gift?” Yuki asked.
“I don’t have one and neither of us knew, we can do it at six months, deal?”
“Deal!” Yuki said and they entered the appartement, a fifth floor, 2 bedrooms 2 bath condo with a sideway view of the marina. Yuki sat Boot down in front of his water bowl, the dog finally getting himself up and drinking some, as well as eating a little before slowly walking into his nest in the living room.
“Oh, hey, there are two of the cookies left! Wait a second.” Maya said from the kitchen and some rustling was heard before she walked towards him with a plate, two of the chocolate soft cookies on it, one having 4 and the other months scribbled on them with food colouring “Happy anniversary!” she laughed and Yuki smiled. They took a picture of them holding the cookies while kissing, only realizing after taking it that Boot had snuck into the picture and was biting into one of the cookies. Yuki posted it online with the caption If it’s your anniversary, both of you forget, improvise and then the little troublemaker steals the scene.

 

George sat up in the nest, sweating and breathing hard.
“Hey, it’s okay, you’re home.” Lance said softly, wiping his forehead with a wet towel.
“I woke you again?” George asked.
“It’s okay. It’s no trouble.” Lance said softly “I thought they were over?” he then asked after some silence.
“They … are less frequent.” George admitted.
“How many nightmares do you still have?”
“About twice a week, once in a good one.” George said “The therapy helped a lot, but … not always.”
“Yeah” Lance said, hugging him tightly “You want to go back to the convent, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I think it could help. I probably should have gone already.” George said.
“Maybe, but you were held back for a long time. Maybe ask Toto if the week after Canada would be okay? We have a weekend off afterwards and you could fly to Spain directly.”
“Yeah, that would be a good idea. Do you want to join?” George asked.
“I … I will think about it, okay? I will ask if it’s okay to stay and I would be in Thailand, but I can’t promise you right now that I will go with you into the convent.” Lance said unsurely.
“Okay, that would be still great, knowing that you’re around.” George smiled.
“I support you with going there. Completely. I just … it’s not what I believe in.” Lance tried to explain.
“I know. And it’s totally fine. You are jewish.” George said with a smile. They settled back down shortly after and George called Toto the next day, getting the okay from him, as long as he would be back on Wednesday morning, doing some photoshoots before press on Thursday. Lance got the okay as well, with the same conditions, just that he had some tv obligations and a sponsor’s dinner on Wednesday.

 

“My first win!” Logan said happily, entering his appartement after a long celebration with Esteban, Sabrina, Laurent and the team. He kissed Esteban deeply, pulling him into the bedroom.
“Yeah, they forgot that we exist.” Laurent said, taking off his shoes and following his laughing wife into the guest room, accompanied by loud moans from the master bedroom.
“Oh God, yes, I really needed this! You feel so much better without anything in between.” Logan exclaimed, moaning in satisfaction, still sitting on Esteban, spent after a couple of rounds “Oh” he then stopped dropping his smile.
“What?” Esteban asked, not stopping to kiss his neck.
“Your parents are on the other side of that wall!” Logan whispered “I totally forgot they are here!” he then started to panic.
“I’m sure they didn’t hear anything.” Esteban mumbled and Logan raised an eyebrow “They are probably already sleeping.” Esteban smiled at him, about to kiss him, when he heard a moan, which didn’t come from Logan. He stopped moving. Another moan was heard. Logan started chuckling.
“Nooooo” Esteban let out, trying to deny it, but then they heard a deeper groan as well as a giggle. Esteban looked horrified.
“What? They are married. If someone is allowed to do this, it’s them, not us!” Logan said, trying to kiss him, but Esteban pulled back a little “Come on, baby! It’s natural.” Logan said, while there was another groan from the guest room. Esteban pulled a face and shook his head. Logan kissed his cheek while chuckling before lifting himself off and they laid down. When the moaning continued, Esteban pulled some earplugs out of the nightstand.

“This is so weird.” Esteban commented.
“Why? What did you think they do? Hold hands? You do realize they made you, right?”
“Yes, but that was almost 30 years ago!”
“And they are in their fifties, not dead. They have desires, too.” Logan said softly.
“No, they don’t.” Esteban said stoically “They are my parents, they don’t do those things.”
“Meaning what? If we adopt or however come to have a child you will stop having sex with me?”
“That’s different” Esteban said, opening the package with the earplugs.
“How?” Logan asked with a smile.
“It … it just is, now sleep.” Esteban said, offering Logan some earplugs but was denied. He put them in and smiled by the seized noises. Logan smiled at him, kissing him once more before settling down with in his spot, his head on Esteban’s chest.

 

Results of the Monaco GP and total driver's points in the championship

1-SAR95
2-NOR172
3-BEA77
4-OCO107
5-LEC89
6-HAM50
7-TSU43
8-STR58
9-ANT9
10-MAG1
11-ALO0
12-MSC2
13-VER46
14-HUL0
15-LAW1
16-RUS40
17-GAS2
18-RIC2
19-BOT0
20-ZHO0

currently not racing:
ALB0
POU1

Chapter 30: THe one with the big bang

Summary:

Little Laura finds something in her sandbox in Monaco that brings Kevin in danger.
Some people are starting to make a plan, getting suspicious by this many ... accidents.

tw: explosion/bombs

P.S.: If you read my Carlos Sainz story as well, please read this chapter before you read the new one (chapter 15) in the other story.

On Monday after a slow breakfast, Kevin and Louise were in their little garden behind the townhouse in Monaco, watching Laura play in her sandbox.
“Dad!” Laura yelled towards them “Look what I found!” she held up a dark green metal thing. Kevin and Louise stared at her.
“Get the cops” Kevin silently said to Louise and walked over to Laura while Louise picked up Agnes from her bassinet and went inside the house.
“Hey, that looks great!” Kevin said softly, his heart thumping almost out of his chest “Can I tlook at it?” he asked with a smile, taking the hand grenade from his daughter.
“But this is mine!” Laura said, trying to get it back.
“Of course!” Kevin said, pulling his hand out of reach “Are you going to your mum? She has some chocolate.” Kevin said, trying to keep his voice calm.
Laura ran off, Louise already standing at the front door to the house, walking into the front yard with her children. Five police cars arrived within the next minutes, guiding them to the other side of the street.

“Is everything okay?” Nicole asked, running towards them from down the street. She was shortly held back by an officer, but then was let through after Louise’s request.
“Laura found a hand grenade in her sandbox” Laura whispered, her body shaking. Nicole hugged her tightly.
“Where is Kevin?” Nicole asked a moment later.
“He’s holding it.” Louise whispered and Nicole went pale. A bomb squad truck stopped next to them a minute later.
“Mrs. Magnussen?” the police chief asked while walking up to them “Do you have somewhere to go? I don’t think you should stay here.”
“I’m not going to leave my husband alone.” Louise said firmly.
“Ma’am, there will be a lot of noise, I don’t think that this is a good environment for your children.”
Louise looked down at Agnes in her arms and then turned to Nicole with a pleading look.

“I live around the corner, I can take them with me for now.” Nicole said to Louise and the chief, who nodded and noted her name and address. She then carefully took Agnes and the diaper bag from Louise before taking Laura’s hand, getting into a police car who drove to their house. She sat down in the living room, letting Laura play with Chloe’s toys while holding the baby. A key was heard in the door and the officers jumped up.
“That’s my partner.” Nicole said, walking into the front room, greeting Daniel who looked at her surprised.
“Are we having visitors?” Daniel asked with a wide smile, nodding to Agnes in Nicole’s arms, but his smile dropped as soon as he saw one of the officers stepping out of the living room. He went into protective mode instantly, stepping in between the officer and Nicole “What is going on here?”
“Laura found a hand grenade in her sandbox.” Nicole whispered and Daniel stared at her with wide eyes “She’s playing in the living room. Kevin is holding it now, Louise refused to leave the scene.”
“Okay” Daniel said after taking a deep breath “Can I help somehow?” he asked, looking between Nicole and the officer.
“Not at the moment, sir. All we can do right now is wait.” The officer said.
“Alright then … I will put away the groceries.” Daniel said with a weak and nervous smile, lifting up the shopping bags he held.

“Mr. Magnussen?” the man from the bomb squad asked, walking up from behind Kevin carefully and slowly “Or may I call you Kevin?”
“Kevin is alright.” Kevin said, his voice shaking “Where are my girls?”
“Your daughters are with your friend Nicole, your wife refused to leave and is waiting for you with my colleagues on the street. They should all be out of range.”
“Okay, that’s good.” Kevin said and saw the man stepping in front of him, a couple of steps in between them “I don’t know anything about grenades. I don’t know if it’s even real.”
“I will have a look.” Said the man and slowly stepped up to him, looking at the grenade for a bit “It looks real, Kevin. Also, the pin is removed. Whatever happens, I need you to keep pressure on that little handle in your right hand, alright?”
“Yes.” Kevin said, sweat on his forehead.
“Alright, we’ll have to be really careful, but I’ll walk you through this, okay?”
“Okay”
“Okay” the man said, pulling a big case next to them and opening it “This is where we will store it at the end, okay? We just have to do some safety precautions first.” The man pulled out a cable tie “We will stabilize the pressure on the handle first. I’ll have to look around for a good spot.” He then said, looking around the grenade “Okay, I need you to move your left index finger a little bit lower, then I can pull the tie around it, okay? You have to keep the pressure the same, okay?” Kevin took a breath, then moved his finger slowly “Very good. I will tie it down now.” The man stated, putting the tie around the grenade and closing it “Very good, Kevin. Now we will place it in the box slowly, okay?” the man said, wrapping his hands around Kevin’s and guiding them slowly towards the box. They had it almost in the box when a click was heard, stalling them both. Then there was a beeping starting, like a count down getting quicker soon.
“Run” the man said to Kevin, ripping the grenade from his hands. Kevin turned and ran, hearing a thudding noise behind him. He reached the back door when he was thrown forward, something really heavy pushing him to the floor.
Not a second later the windows burst and a hot wave of air rushed over him, followed by a crackling noise. Fire. “Come on!” the weight, or better said the man from the bomb squad, lifted himself off him and pushed him in front of him out of the house and into the front yard. The firemen stormed into the house, pulling a huge hose. Kevin broke down on the grass in the front yard, some EMT arriving with him a moment later.
“Mr. Magnussen? Are you injured?” he heard the EMT ask through the ringing in his ears. He breathed hardly.
“I think I broke a rib.” He said heavily.
“Okay, lay back on the grass, please.” The EMT said and Kevin laid back, Louise arriving at his side a moment later “Mrs. Magnussen, could you switch over there, please?” the EMT pointed above Kevin’s head, probably knowing it was no use to try and get her to leave.

Nicole, Daniel and the girls were sitting on the floor, Daniel now holding Agnes. The officers sat on the couch. They heard a loud bang outside and a ball of fire went into the air, visible above the houses through the window.
“Take her. I’ll call!” Daniel yelled, pushing the now whining baby into Nicole’s arms and ran out of the house while still putting on his shoes. He ran past Pascal’s house, who stood in between her flowers, apparently gardening.
“What’s going on?” she yelled after Daniel, but he was already gone.

She quickly pulled the front door closed and quickly made her way over to Nicole’s, where she was greeted by a police officer.
“Oh, that’s Pascal, she’s my friend.” Nicole said from the back and she was let in.
“What the hell is going on? Daniel ran by and there was something going off somewhere?” Pascal asked and Nicole explained shortly, trying to settle the crying baby in her arms.
Both of their phones rang a minute later. Lawrence and Oscar. They had seen the fireball from different directions. Before they picked up, they were instructed by the officers to only say that they are okay and not close to the explosion.

Daniel sent a message a couple minutes later. Kevin was on his way to the hospital, but he looked fine so far. The next call came an hour later, shortly after the officers left. Daniel was on his way back.
“Hey, oh hi, what are you doing here?” Daniel asked Pascal when he entered.
“There was an explosion and you ran past me without an explanation, what did you think would happen?” Pascal asked and then followed up in a more hushed voice “How is Kevin?”
“He’s bruised and has a couple of cuts, not deep ones, only from glass shattering. Nothing broken, thankfully. He’s going to be released in a bit.” He turned to Nicole “The police locked down their house, I offered them to stay here for a bit, I hope that was alright?”
“Of course, as long as they want.” Nicole said.
“Oh, and Lando is going to come by in a bit, I asked for some baby stuff, you know they got all of Penelope’s old things. Do you want something from the shops? He would make a stop there as well to get some diapers.”
“Some milk, yoghurt and just some veggies that look good. And a drawing book or two? We need some more things to keep Laura occupied without stealing all of Chloe’s things.”
“Okay, I’ll text him.”

“Oh, shit!” Pascal suddenly exclaimed “Arthur! Oh my God!” she ripped open the door and Nicole just wanted to yell out she would prepare lunch for all of them when Pascal stopped, seeing a car drive up the driveway. “Arthur!” Pascal exclaimed.
“You weren’t home!” Arthur exclaimed, his hands in his sides and pouting when he got out of the car.
“I know, I’m sorry, sweetheart, I was just about to come back.” She started to apologize.
“I walked all way back to school!” Arthur said and took off his shoes “Hungry!” he then stated simply.
“Yes, sir, food is being served as soon as Julia and Chloe are home.” Nicole said, suppressing a smile.

Lawrence entered the house behind him. “The school called. They weren’t happy but I made something up about this explosion and you not being allowed to leave. They are fine now.”
“Thank you.” Pascal said and kissed him. They left back to Pascal’s house after eating.
Lando arrived shortly after they finished lunch, dropping off a suitcase and a couple of bags with the groceries, some toys and drawing books for Laura. Nicole was upstairs, preparing the guest room when a taxi arrived and Kevin and Louise got out. Laura squeezed past Daniel, who had opened the door and jumped up to her dad, kissing his booboos. He had a couple of little cuts on one side of his face but looked fine otherwise. Maybe a little bit paler than usual. He told them later, without the children, that he had some bruises, mostly on his chest and some on his upper legs, from the fall, but other than that, he was physically fine.

“Okay” Agent Carter said, sitting in the interpol field office in Paris, her head in her hands “The next event. Logan Sargeant’s rapist shows up at the Monaco race and then vanishes into thin air. He was seen with Lance Stroll after initially seeing him, so we pretty much know what happened but I’m sure neither one of us would follow up on those assumptions. Then yesterday, Kevin Magnussen’s daughter finds a damn hand grenade in her sandbox, which pretty much destroys their house and almost kills her father. What the fuck?” she exclaimed, then looked at Agent Powell for a bit.
“We need someone in there.” Agent Powell stated.
“That would be easiest. But also the hardest. How do we get someone into the F1 paddock without anyone noticing anything? Even if we find someone who can pose as an employee, they would just be able to stay with that team, pretty much. It wouldn’t be possible to get close to other teams.”
“What if we get someone to us? Someone already in the paddock?” Powell asked, pulling up the faces of the team principals and racers.
“Well … if we get a team principal, we would just heat up all this contract hysteria if he talks to other drivers.
“So they are out. How about engineers?”
“Same thing. Their own team would think they are jumping ship. We could destroy their career. I don’t like that thought.” Carter intervened.
“And children … whoever would help us is bringing themselves in danger. I wouldn’t like to endanger children if we can avoid it.”
“Agreed”
“Then, we have 14 left.”
“No. Ricciardo pretty much has children, Leclerc is out, he’s in a relationship with Verstappen. Sargeant would want to tell Ocon right away, that would put two teams at high risk. I don’t think Russell is up to it, he’s been through enough.”
“Alright, down to nine.”
“Okay, someone well connected, but still kind of neutral, who no one would suspect and could just slide through. I don’t think Hamilton would do something like this, plus, he’s more of a lone wolf, except with Bearman.”
“Down to eight.” Powell said and looked at the remaining pictures “How about him?”
“It could work. It could. Let’s work out how this could happen.”

Chapter 31: The one with the blue lights and the doctors

Summary:

Lando and Oscar are watching Carlos race while taking care of their babies.
Agent Powell and Agent Carter are trying to find new leads regarding the weird happenings around the drivers and find multiple things.
A driver has to take a break.

Lando and Oscar had the tv running silently. The babies had not a good day and night, always waking one another up again, pooping, or being hungry. They hadn’t slept a minute. The tv somehow seemed to calm them. The Nasfinity race in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“They really are your children. All day there is a ruckus, once a race is on – silence.” Oscar said, falling back in the nest and making Lando laugh silently before kissing him.
“Oh, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu” Lando kind of saved the swear word “That is a big one.” He added and Oscar sat up in their nest, looking closer at the tv. Carlos’ car had flipped over a couple of times, now only a banged up piece of metal with a fire starting under the hood. They watched in silence. Red Flag. Emergency staff. Firefighters. Ambulance.
Carlos being brought into the ambulance on a stretcher, brace around his neck. Lando dialled Carlos Seniors phone number. The line was occupied. He tried a couple more times, either getting a busy signal or that the phone is off. Their driver’s chat group started spiralling in the morning as well, Daniel seeing the accident in the news and alerting everyone. Lando was the only one who had Carlos Senior’s phone number though. He couldn’t keep count on how many times he wrote that he is trying to reach him.
Kimi and Ollie seemed to have started an outright fight about the possible injuries, writing more and more horrible scenarios until Valtteri sent a Dumbledore meme, displaying ‘SILENCE!!!’ at the bottom.

Carlos Sr. phone started vibrating. “It’s Lando” he stated shortly and left the room while taking the call.
“Hi Lando!” Senior said.
“Hey, thank God, I reached you! We saw Carlos’ accident, is he alright?” Lando asked and there was some baby wining in the background.
“He got a whole bunch of bruises, pulled muscles and a concussion but he is alright. Still unconscious, though.”
“But he’s going to be okay?” Lando asked.
“Yes, he’s going to be okay.” Senior said.
“Oh good. Is it alright if I tell the other drivers? I got some messages from them asking about it.”
“Of course, Lando, just keep it in between you guys, alright, I’m not sure what plan they have themselves.”
“Okay, will do. Give Carlos all of our best wishes, please?”
“Of course, Lando, now take care of that baby, will you? Whichever one it is, it sounds cranky.”
“Yeah, that’s Jacob. He pooped the moment you picked up and now complains about choosing the wrong moment. Call me if something changes, please?”
“I will. Now take care of the poop, Lando.” Senior said and they hung up shortly after. Lando sent a quick message into the driver’s chat, calming the others.

“Is the doctor already here?” Agent Carter asked.
“On her way up.” Powell answered, just before the door was opened and a woman stepped in.
“Good morning, Dr. Colllins. I’m Agent Carter and this is my colleague, Agent Powell.”
“Good morning. What can I do for you?”
“Well, you are working in sports medicine and have been working in racing sports for a couple of years and we didn’t, but need help understanding some of this stuff.” Agent Powell said, pointing to the files on the table “We asked you here for your expertise, not as a suspect or anything. Would you like some coffee?”
“Happily. What am I looking for?” she asked, sitting down.
“We are not sure. There are too many blood results for us to analyse, especially because we are not trained in it. We know that blood levels do not completely stay the same, but maybe you can find some kind of irregulation or something that helps us. It’s also not just the blood results, it’s everything from this year. The names were taken off, but they are separated, one file, one person.”
“Okay, but this is going to take a while.” Dr. Collins said and started going through the files, taking notes in between. “Do you have a timetable for the F1 races? I didn’t really follow them.” And they got one for her and she continued analysing.

“Okay, so I divided them a little. As you already said, it is normally for blood levels to change a little bit, especially due to nutrition, it has more impact on blood levels than we think.” She pointed at one pile of the files “These are completely normal. A little hick-up here and there and the blood levels are worse when they are overseas, my guess is all of those drivers are in a stable relationship or mated, and the mate wasn’t there for that race.” She said with a little smile and Agent Powell laughed. “These three had some health issues in the past two years, most likely from accidents, one with an accident during the last winter break, broken foot, hand and fingers. My guess is a bike accident, climbing, or a fall, maybe skiing. It needed longer healing but my guess was he was scared for his seat and didn’t tell them. There is pain med there, but nothing that could influence their driving or count as doping or something. Due to the continued strain the breaks are not healing properly, if you can, I would suggest a break in the training and a proper diagnosis. These three are … I don’t like the word suspicious in relations with health, but there are irregularities. First, one was diagnosed with STDs three times last year and already once this year. The second one takes some meds that are not in the file. My guess is anti-depressants or something in that area, not dangerous or illegal, but it has to be reported and noted. The last one is the worst with blood levels swinging all over the place, but also gradually getting worse, starting last year. By now there should be issues with concentration, physical training, muscle mass and behaviour overall. It seems like there is a cocktail of meds given that don’t really go well together, that’s why it’s all over the place. They’re most likely trying to hide something else as well. This one should be taken off the grid IMMEDIATELY. I put a little summary in every file.”
“Thank you very much, Dr. Collins. We might call you back some time later if there are more questions.” Agent Powell said, shaking her hand a couple minutes later.

He was called into the office and almost did a double take back. Two people he didn’t know, his team principal Laurent Mekies, Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and their team doctor were waiting.
“Hey, thank you for coming so quickly.” Laurent said.
“Of course, what is going on here?” Mick asked.
“Please close the door.” His team doctor said “These are Agent Carter and Agent Powell. Please don’t worry, they are not accusing you of anything, but they brought something to our attention.”
“Okay” Mick said, suspicious.
“Mick, we have to ask you to be honest right now. Do you take any medication?” Laurent asked and Mick’s face fell a little before he pulled a little package with a couple of pills out of his wallet, handing them to the doctor, not looking at anyone.
“Pain meds with an inflammatory. Quite strong. Over the counter. How many of these do you take?”
“Depends. Normally six, on race weekends more.” Mick said and the doctor raised an eyebrow “I’m also wearing a splint to reduce the pressure on my middle foot.”

“What happened?” Helmut asked.
“I had an accident. We were biking after new years, in France. I fell and broke my wrist, two fingers and the middle foot. The wrist and fingers healed quickly … the foot doesn’t.”
“My God, Mick.” Christian said, rubbing his face.
“Show us the foot.” The doctor said, pulling up a chair. Mick sat down removing his trainer and then the sock cautiously, wincing a little. His foot was swollen and red, a black splint around it, taking the pressure off the middle. The doctor leaned forward and took off the splint, revealing a couple of open wounds on the bottom of the foot “We’ll go to my office with this. He will not be able to race next weekend.”
“No! Please, this is my last chance, I can race, I promise.”
“MICK!” Laurent yelled “You won’t be racing! Not in Canada and not in Barcelona. We’ll see how it looks afterwards! You will do exactly as the doctor says! If you don’t, you’re out, do you understand?!”
“Yes” Mick said meekly “I just wanted to do better than last time.”
“You do. But you have a broken foot. You will cure this out and then you will prove how good you are.” Helmut said to him and Mick went with the doctor, the doctor helping him to walk without the splint.
“Do you have any further questions towards us?” Christian asked the agents.
“No, not at the moment. Our current task is to keep people safe. When we found those irregularities, we wanted to make sure he is getting proper medical treatment.”
“Thank you very much for that, we really appreciate it.” Laurent said, shaking their hands before they left.

“You want to plant cameras and mics in my appartement?” Alex asked him.
“We are suspecting that your partner was a witness to some crimes.” Agent Carter said.
“Then why don’t you interrogate him?”
“Because we think he wouldn’t say anything. The people who committed these crimes … it was not a single person, it was a big criminal cooperation with loads of contacts and huge power. They are not people to joke around. We don’t want anything to happen to him, that’s why we are trying to get information without interrogation. To find out if and how much he even saw.”
“And how would you do this?”
“A home inspection due to changed fire safety laws in Monaco. He shouldn’t be home.”
“He’s out every Thursday morning, they have a mandatory meeting at his practice, starting at nine, normally takes about two hours.” Alex said.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Albon.”
“Just promise me you keep him safe.” Alex said and left soon after.
“That was well played.” Powell said to Carter.
“Well, after that psych evaluation he would have never believed anything else. That guy is absolutely captivated by his boyfriend.”
“Let’s just hope it’s not going wrong if we’re right.”
“Yeah, that is going to be a rough one.”

They predicted rain for the whole Montreal weekend, and it looked like it would be. Max, Charles, Lando, Daniel, Nico, Kevin, Kimi Antonelli and Pierre flew together in Max’s jet, landing while it rained.
“I hate rain.” Charles complained in the car to the hotel and the others laughed, already knowing that.

“How are you really doing?” Nico asked Kevin when they were alone in the elevator to their hotel floor.
“It’s … a lot. We are happy that the girls don’t understand how serious it was.”
“How is the house?”
“Well, the windows in the back where all burst and the back door as well. They are replaced, but we have still cleaning crews going through, cleaning and re-cleaning the other team’s area. With a baby and a toddler … glass shards aren’t the best.”
“Yeah, I get that.”
“And how is it with you? How is living with a teenager long term?”
“Well … he’s not as … teenager as we thought he would be. We thought he would party and go out and pick up girls, make a mess, find used plates and dirty clothes all over his room, but not really. He puts his stuff away, empties the dishwasher, offers to go grocery shopping, brings Noemi to daycare if she wants him to.”
“Probably because he isn’t really your son. I’m sure it would be different then. How is it with you right now, anyway? I thought you wanted to add someone else?”
“Yeah, well, we are going with whatever happens. We don’t do anything against it, let’s keep it at that.”
“But that would only work if you do it in the bedroom, or, not get interrupted in the kitchen.” Kevin said with a smile.
“That’s going to stay with me forever, isn’t it?”
“You caused your team mate to break his nose, yes, it will.”

Chapter 32: The one with the rain and the private moments

Summary:

The Montreal GP is happening ... without Mick.
Landoscar are watching a kid's show.
Pierre tries to talk to Yuki.
Daniel, Nicole and the girls are having breakfast.

P.S.: If you read my Carlos Sainz story in canon, please read chapter 17 (Aftermath & Reconciliation) before this chapter.

“It feels so empty.” Oscar said through the facetime, stretching out on their nest.
“Well, you still have the babies with you, I’m actually the one who is completely alone.” Lando said, cooing at Jacob, who tried to stretch into the phone’s camera, hearing his daddy’s voice. Shortly after, a sock was flung towards Oscar’s face.
“Yeah, Isabelle still discovers her feet.” Oscar said, changing the camera to show Isabelle, laying in the nest, feet up and in her hands “Come on, sweety, smile for daddy!” Oscar tried and Isabelle grunted.
“I guess she’s mad that I left.” Lando said.

Pierre knocked on Yuki’s room door on Friday morning, wanting to go to the track with him, but no one opened.
He went alone, seeing that Yuki was already in the garage, talking to his engineer next to the car and they gave each other a nod.
“Are things okay between you two?” his engineer asked.
“It’s … we had a little fight, but it’s going to be okay.” Yuki said and they continued.
Esteban watched Yuki and Pierre that day, their stiff behaviour towards each other, until he found a good moment.
“Pierre” he said and he turned around.
“Hey, Este, what’s up?” Pierre asked.
“Don’t let it freeze like ours.”
“What?!”
“The friendship between you and Yuki. That looks exactly like it did when our friendship started to fall apart completely. You’re almost like brothers. Don’t fuck it up. If you want to keep that friendship, talk, work on it, whatever, but don’t let it die. The world needs Yuki and Pierre together, alright?”
Pierre stood back in front of Yuki’s door in the evening, knocking again. This time, Yuki opened.
“Truce?” Pierre asked and held up a box of cookies.
“Only if I don’t have to share those with you.” Yuki said with a smirk.

The whole weekend was a little chaos, rain, drizzle, sunny, rain, sunny, drizzle, repeat. Cars taking wide turns, ending up on the gravel and the grass.
Isack Hadjar was driving for Mick, who didn’t come with them to Montreal. He didn’t need an operation, but he was on crutches and got a strict instruction for complete rest for his foot.

Max had Christian’s talk still in mind. He needed to get points. He needed to get on the podium.
He had qualified 5th, now standing in the drizzle, waiting for the lights to go out. They were on inters, but it was supposed to stop raining in half an hour.
The start was slow, and a little more chaotic as usual in the drizzle. He had managed to keep his position, then gained one when Ferrari made the wrong decision and had Charles switch to slicks too soon, costing him multiple seconds each lap, making his way down the grid quickly before sliding off the track and slamming sideways into the barrier, crashing his car and causing a double yellow.
The safety car took long, Charles’ car kind of lodged into the tec-pro.

“Alright Max, you are currently in fourth. Ten laps to go, Ocon 1.6 in front.” He heard GP through the intercom.
“How far to first?”
“Forget first, concentrate on Ocon.”
“Fuck” Max let out and GP didn’t answer. He concentrated on catching up to Esteban. He stayed on the gas longer on the straights, inching closer. Four laps later his was in the DRS zone and started really catching up, even though Esteban fought for his position, with the DRS on the long straight, he had no chance and Max passed him.
Two laps of keeping Esteban behind him, then the race was over. Back on the podium for him, double podium for McLaren.
The distance between Max and Ollie in second was more than twenty seconds, Lando was another ten in front.

“You are flying home NOW?!” Ollie asked, seeing Lando coming out of his hotel room with his backpack and suitcase.
“Yes, I want to get home to my mate and children.” Lando said with a smile.
“But … now?” Ollie asked, checking his watch. 7.49pm.
“Yes, my flight departs at eleven, I will be home tomorrow!” Lando said with a wide smile “And what are you up to?”
“Movie night.” Ollie smiled.
“Movie night?”
“Well, it is a night … we’ll see how much of a movie we will see. Lewis’ room has a whirlpool.”
“Aah, now I get it.” Lando said “See you in Monaco?”

“See you in Monaco. I’m flying tomorrow, but we will make a stop in England.” Ollie said and they entered the elevator.
“Why? You have to do some testing or something?”
“No … I will meet Lewis’ dad. Like … as his boyfriend. Any tips?”
“Uuuhm, no?!”
“Oh, right, sorry.” Ollie said.
“You can forget about that?” Lando asked.
“Not forget, I … I visited a therapist a couple of times and worked through it. It is … I will never forget seeing a dead body, but … it is okay, I’m good.”
“Okay, that’s good.” Lando said and the elevator stopped.
“Give the kids a kiss from uncle Ollie, alright?”
“I will.” Lando laughed and they parted ways.

Lando had a little time in the lounge before boarding the plane, giving Oscar a quick call before boarding. He flew first class, a direct flight to Nice, bringing him to his doorstep just past noon. He opened the door silently and toed off his shoes, not sure if the babies or Oscar were sleeping. He walked further into the appartement, seeing Oscar standing in the middle of the room, staring at the tv, where some kids channel was going.

“Hey baby” Lando said.
“Hey” Oscar said, smiling and kissing him. “You should watch that, too. It is funny. The babies do not get any of it anyway.”
“Micky has a smaller bum and Lily has one too, a much bigger bum has Nelson and Leo, too.” A voice over said about different animal’s bums on the tv “Margot has a really nice bum, but Jenny has the biggest bum of them all.” She said, showing an elephant. Lando looked at Oscar, who desperately tried to suppress a laugh.
“That has been going on for more than three minutes, I can’t do this.” Oscar said.
“Our tails are different, all of ours.” The voice over began.
“Oh no” Lando said and looked back at the tv.
“Jim has a nice one and it swirls through the air” they showed a cartoon cat, waving with its tail “Steve has a thicker one, but it’s not as long” they showed a dog walking up next to the cat, wiggling its tail “Benny has a little one, but he likes it very well” another elephant showed up, now starting to talk himself “I know my tail is not the biggest one, but it’s hairy and I can wave it all around! Just look!” the elephant said.
“Nope, I’m out.” Lando said, taking his suitcase and walking into the laundry room, Oscar laughing behind him.

They sat back together on the couch an hour later, the babies in between them. Their couch seats were deep enough for the babies to lay down in their little nests. Isabelle was still discovering her feet, counting and pulling her toes, trying to put them into her mouth. They had given up to try and put on her socks. Jacob laid next to her, watching her and flopping his arms around, playing with a stuffed sheep that had a little bell around his neck. James was taking a nap, unbothered by his sibling’s behaviour.

“See! I told you it is no trouble.” Lewis said, driving them back to his own house in London.
“Still! It was different to meet him like as … officially your boyfriend.” Ollie said and Lewis smiled, driving into his garage.
They laid in the bed an hour later, Lewis thrusting slowly into Ollie while moving his hand over Ollie’s shaft, squeezing slightly, making him groan. He sped up his thrusts some more, making his thrusts match the speed of his hand. Ollie came a couple minutes later, shortly followed by Lewis erupting inside him.

Kevin and Louise dropped on their couch.
“Finally back home!” Louise exclaimed.
“Yes, finally.” Kevin agreed and Laura walked up to them, climbing into their laps.

“Oh my God … this feels sooooo good.” Charles let out.
“I thought I told you to not say anything?” Max asked, stopping his thrusts and pulling out, making Charles whine for him.
“I’m sorry, you just … you are so captivating.”
“Talking again, Charlie.” Max said, moving his mouth next to Charles’ ear “You really are a bad boy, today.” Max whispered and Charles bit his lip “Very good. You’re learning.” Max said “You still deserve some penalty. Ten spanks, do you agree. Answer me.”
“Yes, I deserve some punishment. I didn’t obey the rules.” Charles said and was flipped to his front a second later. His wrists were bound to the headboard, again wearing their blindfold. A second later, he felt the first spank “One” he started counting, knowing his task. The spanks got harder with each one. After he was done, he felt Max slightly biting his ass cheek, letting him hiss.
“Well done, you’re a good boy, Charlie.” Max said, crawling over him, covering him with his body. He was back inside him in one swift stroke, starting to thrust hardly, making both of them moan. He made him wait for another six minutes, Charles writhing and moaning, desperate for a release.

“Will we be Ricciardo then?” Julia asked during breakfast.
“What do you mean?” Nicole asked, taking a bite of her toast.
“After you mated. Will we be Ricciardo or Piastri?” Julia asked and Nicole and Daniel looked at one another.
“Uhm, well … actually that is something we did not talk about.” Daniel admitted “What would you want?”
“I don’t know” Julia said after a moment “What will you do?” she asked her mum.
“Well, I will be called Ricciardo.” Nicole said.
“Me too.” Chloe said happily, cuddling her bunny and eating her oatmeal.
“Really?” Nicole and Daniel asked at the same time.
“Why?” Julia asked.
“Because he is the daddiest dad we have.” Chloe shrugged.
“What?” Julia asked confused.
“He wakes me up and brings me to bed. He brushes my hair and makes my lunch. He brings me to school and plays games with me. He tells me if I am bad but he does not yell at me. He showed me how to ride a bike and he is nice to mommy. He is our daddy Daniel and I want to be part of his family.” Chloe explained and it was silent for a moment.
“Thank you, Chloe.” Daniel said, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.
“I will think about it.” Julia said.
“You do not have to force yourself, alright? I will not be mad or disappointed about anything you decide.” Daniel said softly.

Logan aimed and pulled the trigger, just how Christian had showed him. His shoulder was thrown backwards and he let out a girlish yelp. Christian, Geri, Toto, Susie and Esteban tried to hold their laughs as best as they could. Max did not. He bent over, laughing his head off.
“You sure you’re American?” Christian asked with a smile.
“Well, that is what my passport says.” Logan said “Maybe … I let you guys give it a try for a while.”
“Yes, that is a good idea. We will go for a ride.” Geri said and pulled Logan away, who handed the gun to Christian. They got on a long ride for the afternoon, meeting the others back at the house for dinner, Christian already having started the grill.

“Welcome back, George.” The monk said, bowing to George.
“It is a pleasure to see you again as well.” George said, also bowing.
“And you brought us a friend?” the monk asked, looking at Lance, who stood a step back.
“Oh, this is Lance, he is my … partner. He is not going to stay at the convent, though.”
“Are you sure? We have very comfortable guest rooms.” The monk said to Lance.
“Yes, George has told me and thank you very much for the invitation, but … this is not my belief, not my religion … I do not think it is … appropriate for me to stay here. Please do not misunderstand, I have a lot of respect for your religion, but it is not … mine.”
“Very well, I appreciate your honesty. If you redecide, you are very welcome here. Your respect and open act towards our religion is more than enough for us to welcome you as our guest.”
“I will keep that in mind, thank you very much.” Lance said and they smiled at one another.
“I will give you a moment to say goodbye.” The monk said and walked into a building.
“He is very nice.”
“He is. He is the one I trust most in the world. I tell him everything.”
“Everything?”
“Everything. Anything.” George said and Lance hugged him, kissing his cheek “It does not seem right to me to kiss you in a convent.”
“That is alright for me.” George said to him, kissing his cheek as well “Thank you very much for bringing me here.”
“Of course. I support you.” Lance said, pulling back and smiling at him “See you next week?”
“See you next week.” George said and watched Lance step out of the wooden gate.
Lance walked down the streets, not seeing the sense in taking a taxi or a tuktuk, his hotel only a couple streets further. He entered the lobby and made his way to his room. He took a bottle of water from the minibar, emptying half of it immediately. This humid heat was killing him. He looked at the bed, holding a little travelling nest they had used last night. Starting today, he would sleep in there alone. It was Tuesday morning. He would pick George back up next Tuesday morning to go to the airport soon after. He did some sightseeing, visited a night market and had some street food that chained him to the toilet for the rest of the day.

 

Results of the Montreal GP (number behind the driver's name are the total points in the championship)
1 - NOR197
2 - BEA95
3 - VER61
4 - OCO119
5 - RUS50
6 - HAM58
7 - SAR101
8 - STR62
9 - TSU45
10 - ALO1
11 - HUL0
12 - ANT9
13 - LAW1
14 - GAS2
15 - RIC2
16 - MAG1
17 - HAD0
18 - ZHO0
19 - BOT0
DNF - LEC89

currently not racing:
ALB0 (paused)
MSC2 (medical leave)
POU1 (replaced George)

Chapter 33: The one with the dented kart and the missing baby

Summary:

Arthur, Pascal and Lawrence are at a karting competition.
Kimi visits Mick while he is sidelined and bored at home.
A baby is going missing from a mall's daycare.
Agent Carter is making an appearance ...

tw: child abduction, child being missing

“Aaaaaaah!” Arthur yelled out when his kart was shot over the track and then slammed sideways into the barrier, shaking him around in his kart.
He heard the people around the track gasp and saw the yellow flags being waved, someone running towards him. He held one thumb up and got out of the kart, the marshall guiding him onto the grass and towards the boxes, where Pascale and Lawrence were already waiting. He looked back and saw two others carrying away the kart.

“Are you alright Arti?” his mum asked, kneeling in front of him with Lawrence.
“He pushed me off!” Arti stated grumpily and took off his helmet.
“Do you feel okay? Does anything hurt?” Lawrence asked.
“I’m mad! He pushed me off! He cut the corner and pushed me off! He destroyed the kart!” Arti started to rant.
“I am sure the marshalls will take care of the other driver, alright? See, he is already getting a penalty.” Lawrence said, pointing at the board being held up. The other driver is going to be demoted three spots after the finish.

“But I did not finish because of him! He can still get points now! I can not.” Arti complained.
“I know. Life is not always completely fair. It will never be. But you can not change what happened, Arti. The only thing you can do now is to accept that it happened. There are many more races this year and you have many more chances to win. Concentrate on those, alright? I know it is hard, and it is fine to be grumpy today, but do not be unfriendly to other people, okay?” Lawrence said.
“I will try.” Arti said after thinking a bit.
“That is enough for me right now. At first you are going to the medical tent and then we will check your kart, alright?”
“There are a lot of things broken.” Arti said “I heard it crack.”
“We will have a look and then see what we can do for the second race tomorrow.” Pascale said, rubbing his back and leaving with him to the medical tent. Lawrence and another father lifted the kart on their trolley, wheeling it back towards their trailer.

“Alright. The back axis is broken and we have a lot of dealignments. The sidepiece is dented, but not broken.” Lawrence said after checking the kart and Arti huffed “How about you get the dent out of the sidepiece and I will start with the axis?”
“Alright.” Arti said and they took the sidepiece off, Arthur starting on that with a hammer while Lawrence took off the broken wheels and the axis, replacing them with some new ones. He aligned the steering and wheels again, screwing everything tight before looking for Arti. He had done a good job already, the dent way less visible. Lawrence pulled out the metal plate to get the sidepiece as straight as possible, telling Arti to hit it with the hammer as hard as he could. Pascale watched them, having held the sidepiece before Lawrence helped Arti. They oiled everything thoroughly before locking everything for the night and having some dinner at a small restaurant on their way to the hotel. The next day the second race started and Arti got second place. The driver that had crashed into him the day before fell out of the points due to the penalty, and then finished 8th on Sunday, which made Arti celebrate, although he denied to both Pascale and Lawrence that he was happy that the other driver was unlucky.

 

“I am so goddamn bored, I have never been this bored in my life.” Mick said and fell back on the couch after letting Kimi in, just dropping his crutches on the floor. “I never thought I could get bored of gaming and streaming, but it happened.” He mumbled into the pillows.
“Hey, come on, a couple more weeks, then we are in Austria and you can race again.” Kimi said, setting the bag on the table.
“No. They are going to evaluate my injury first and then decide if I am back for Austria.” Mick said “What’s in the bag?”
“Croissants” Kimi said “They are kind of my feel good food.”
“Shouldn’t pasta be your feel good food?”
“Only if they are my grandmama’s.”
“Alright, that is an acceptable excuse for an Italian.” Mick said “Do you need a plate?”
“No, it’s good like this. You got some water?”
“Fridge” Mick simply said, reaching for the bag and starting on a croissant, Kimi joining him shortly after. They watched some Big Bang Theory reruns and talked about the last weeks and the happenings on and around the track.

Yuki and Pierre were not as lucky as others, having appointments for some media duties at RB and with the development department.
“How did it go?” Pierre asked from the make-up chair.
“Well, I did a lot of this” Yuki smiled overly happy and held a thumb up “and this” he turned sideways, folding his arms in front of his chest and giving a little nod, repeating it a couple of times. Pierre laughed and Yuki took a sip of a shake of some sort.
“Is that a milk shake?” Pierre asked.
“Yes. But I pimped it with protein powder, chia and shredded oats, otherwise our trainer wouldn’t have let me get this. It still has the way too unreal strawberry flavour, though.” Yuki smiled.
“Well then” Pierre said and shrugged.

“What do you mean, he is not here?” Kika panicked.
“Ma’am, please, as I said, your son was already picked up by his father.” The lady said.
“No, he was not, my husband is working! He does not even know the name of this fucking mall!”
“Ma’am, please calm down, we do not accept swearing in here.”
“STAY CALM?! YOU LOST MY SON! NO MOTHER WOULD BE CALM!” Kika screeched.
“Please, ma’am, call your husband, he will tell you.” The lady at the mall’s daycare said and Kika called Pierre, mumbling to herself and putting the phone ono speaker, glaring at the lady.

“Hey, baby, is everything okay?” Pierre asked.
“Well, did you pick up Tony from the daycare?” Kika asked while looking at the lady.
“What daycare?” Pierre asked.
“The daycare at the mall.” Kika answered, getting nervous while glaring at the lady.
“What mall? Did you go shopping?” Pierre asked.
“Yes, I did. And I gave Tony into this stupid FUCKING daycare and now that lady tries to tell me that YOU PICKED OUR SON UP!” Kika screeched.
“What? Where is he?”
“I don’t know! That stupid lady here says you came by!” Kika said, starting to cry.
“He said he was your husband.” The lady said.
“Oh, and because someone who’s ID was NOT copied and did NOT leave their baby with you can just pick up ANY FUCKING BABY THEY WANT because they are saying they are the father? What the hell is wrong with you?!” Kika cried.
“Baby, I will come there. Where are you?” Pierre asked, sounding nervous and making Yuki look over.
“The Sheffield Centre. They have their own daycare on the ground floor.”
“I’m on my way, call the cops.” Pierre said and hung up.
“What’s going on?” Yuki asked.
“Tony is gone. Someone picked him up from a daycare and said they are me.” Pierre said and grabbed his jacket.
“I will drive.” Yuki said, grabbing his keys and they ran over to his car, speeding towards the mall.

Pierre jumped out in the front while Yuki drove into the underground parking. When Yuki entered the daycare, Pierre held Kika in his arms and they were surrounded by police, shortly after security closed the main doors, putting the mall on lockdown, while three more police vans drove up, police members getting out of them.
“Excuse me, sir. The daycare is closed at the moment.” A policeman said to Yuki.
“I understand, I am with them, though.” Yuki said, pointing at Pierre and Kika.
“He belongs to us.” Pierre said, his voice heavy. Someone else entered the room. The security chief, followed by a police lieutenant.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gasly?” the lieutenant asked and stepped up to them “We have closed all exits, everyone will be checked. I have a colleague in the observation room, they are going through the video tapes to find out who took your son.”
“Thank you” Pierre said and Kika nodded, still crying.

An hour later, all customers had left the mall and only employees were left inside. The police made their way through the mall in teams, searching every corner.
“Does your son have any special marks on his body? Scars or anything?” the lieutenant asked.
“Have you found him?” Pierre asked eagerly.
“He … he has a mark, a port-wine stain on his left leg, on the inside, looks like Italy … a bit.” Kika sobbed.
“Alright, I do not want to promise everything, but there was a little child found … we will bring the child here and then check the leg.” The lieutenant said calmly.
Three minutes later, three police officers came in, one holding a little child, screaming, crying and fighting the officer.
“That’s him.” Pierre and Kika immediately said.
The lieutenant rolled up the pant leg and saw the stain.
“It is kind of missing Sicily, but that is definitely the missing child, it also matches the clothing description.” He said and little Tony was handed back to Kika, calming down soon “There is an ambulance waiting outside, we would suggest to get him a check-up at the hospital, just to make sure.”
Pierre and Kika nodded and thanked them and they glared once more at the daycare worker, who sat in the corner and was interviewed by a police officer.

Pierre and Kika left their car keys with Yuki, who picked up Maya to drive their car to the hospital. They walked in and saw Kika and Pierre sitting in the front hall, playing with a happy looking Tony.
“Oh my God! I guess that means he is alright?” Maya asked, quickly hugging both and then ruffling Tony’s fluffy hair.
“Yes, he is. Nothing wrong with him at all.” Kika said, finally smiling again.

 

“Good morning” Agent Carter said, shaking his hand.
“Good morning, now, what is this urgent appointment that is definitely needed today?”
“Well, my name is not Lizzie Ambrose, my name is Agent Carter and I’m working with Interpol.” She said, showing her credentials.
“Alright” he said.
“I’m going to have to ask you for absolute confidentiality and a really huge favour.” She then added.

Chapter 34: The one with the 'binder of doom'

Summary:

Alex visits the factory.
The Barcelona GP is happening.
Yuki and Pierre are talking about the repercussions of Tony's abduction.
Daniel receives the 'binder of doom' from Lando.

“You know, sometimes in between, this is quite awesome.” Fernando said, taking a sip of his tea and looking at Sebastian on the lawn chair next to him. They were at their farm in Austria.
“Yes, it is.” Sebastian said, leaning his head back and enjoying the sun.
“Silence” Fernando said with a wide smile, closing his eyes. A couple minutes later, a loud bang was heard “Oh come, on!” Fernando said “Do they have to shoot their stupid plates today?! Can they not do it when I’m racing?! Why now?!” he started to rant.
“Give it an hour and then they’ll be gone.” Sebastian said with a laugh.

“What is going on?” Sam asked, seeing Alex pack a couple of things into his suitcase in their apartment in Monaco.
“They want me at work. Simulator work and maybe get a little time on track, although that’s not sure, yet.” Alex said with a wide smile.
“And you think that car will bring you somewhere?” Sam asked cautiously.
“Hey, it is better than nothing and I might get my foot back into the door.”
“Alright then. Do you want me to pack you some food for the way? Then you don’t have to go shopping after arriving.”
“That would be great, thank you.” Alex said and Sam left to the kitchen, being filmed making the food by the hidden cameras.
Alex arrived in Grove that evening and made his way to the factory the next morning, greeting the people there while walking in.
They did not manage to get time on the track, but they did a lot of simulator work. Alex’s times were consistent, not the best or fastest and there were some mistakes, but he was consistent.
He did not get a definite answer on a re-join or anything, but his hopes were lifted.

They all met again for the driver’s meeting in Barcelona the next Wednesday, spending two hours talking through the coming weekend before being let go.
“Alright, as it is kind of countdown time, we need to talk about some things.” Lando said to Daniel when they were in Lando’s suite.
“Why? What?” Daniel said.
“You’re getting mated? You will take over as the alpha of a family? That is currently my responsibility … as the alpha? Do you remember, the woman you claim to love?” Lando said with a little smirk.
“Don’t get smart now. What do we need to talk about?” Daniel said.

“Well, first of all, you need all of their paper stuff. I prepared the changing forms for all the insurances already.” Lando said, pushing a thick binder towards Daniel, who opened it slowly. It was divided into categories. Insurances, house, school, daycare, miscellaneous. “And we have to talk in complete honesty. Of course you can change the health insurance, that is your decision. Nicole also has a life insurance, currently both Chloe and Julia are the beneficiaries, you would have to talk with that about her if you want to change it. You already pay for the daycare, these are the sign-up papers from when we started and the evaluation papers about her progress. As you know, Julia is visiting a private school, the costs are there in the back, now, as we said full honesty, I do not mind to keep paying it, the prepayment for the next year is already through anyway.”

“I will pay for it. They are my family. I will pay for the tuitions or piano or ballerina lessons, whatever they want. The life insurance stays the way it is and I will compare their health insurance with my provider to look who has a better deal.” Daniel said and flipped through the pages “That is the pre-payment?!” he suddenly exclaimed.
“Yes, a third of the schoolyear and the lunch account.”
“Lunch account?”
“She’s starting 6th grade, that means school until 3pm. She gets a hot lunch at school then. She will still need a sandwich or something, but still. And the classes only have eight students per teacher, it is worth it, I think. They arrived a little over a year ago, not speaking a single word of French and now both of them are … I would not say fluent yet, but really, really good. And they have awesome extracurriculars, you remember the science trip to Marseille in spring? We only had to pay the bus, the rest was already included in the tuition.”
“Wow, alright.” Daniel said, closing the binder “Anything else?”

“Uhm, well, more for information. As I am in Austria for the race next weekend, and the girls are already with Pascale, Max’s babysitter will be there on the weekend and help them, she will also bring Penelope.”
“Of course, I know her, she is great.” Daniel said and got up.
“Alright then, tell me if you need anything.” Lando said and Daniel left shortly after, meeting Max and Charles in the hallway.

“Hey, what is that?” Max asked Daniel with a nod to the binder.
“All kinds of papers for Nicole and the girls.”
“Oooh, the binder of doom, how bad is it?” Charles asked.
“Well, I already knew about the insurances but I did not know that private school is THAT expensive.”
“Oh, yeah, they go to Princess Grace, right?” Max asked.
“Yes. But it is supposed to be the best, so … yeah.” Daniel said.
“It is, but yes … it is really expensive.” Charles said.

“Where does your brother go?”
“St. Bernards. Also private, but less expensive, mom wouldn’t let me or Lawrence pay for tuition and he is happy there, so he stays there.”
“Them being happy is the most important anyway, I’m not going to pull them out of there, if that is something the two of you are thinking now.” Daniel said.
“We do not, but yes … that shit it expensive.” Max said “But, just FYI, if something ever happens or Nicole wants to join you for a couple of weeks, they have a kind of boarding school attached where you can rent rooms for them by the week or month as well, including the weekend. A lot of these always travelling business people are doing that.”
“Yeah, I heard of that. Julia has a friend living there. We do not think about doing that at the moment, though.” Daniel said.
“Alright then, enjoy your last bachelor days!” Max said and they parted ways.

The trainings on Friday went well, a couple of detours on the gravel, but no bigger accidents until Pierre lost control in turn one and slid over the gravel, slamming sideways into the barrier.
“Pierre, are you okay?” his engineer asked.
“Ugh, what the shit, yes, I’m okay.” Pierre groaned “Sorry about the car, damnit.” He said and hit the steering wheel.
“It’s alright Pierre, you are good, that’s the most important thing. Put in neutral and wait, Red Flag is out.” His engineer said and Pierre waited, mentally kicking himself.

“You misjudged the corner, it is bad, but it happens.” Yuki said and his toad overtook Pierre’s Bowser in their Mario Kart game.
“It still sucks, it’s a rookie thing.”
“Hey, you remember Lewis missing the apex and shooting his car straight into the barrier in Montreal, right?” Yuki asked.
“Still” Pierre grumbled.
“How is Kika?” Yuki asked after a couple more rounds.
“Still worried. Still careful. Doesn’t wants to leave the house. She put Air tags into everything and asks everyone to install these find your friends app thing.”
“Yeah. Maya called her today. She’ll visit tomorrow and bring some groceries.”

“Thank you. Both of you. You did a lot for us these days.”
“Of course. We are friends and Maya and Boot really start to love Tony. They both have Air tags now as well and Maya exchanged Boot’s chip to one including GPS.”
“When are you going to get one?” Pierre asked and won the race. Yuki pulled an Air tag out of his pant pocket. “Oh, alright.”
“You want to tell me you don’t have one?” Yuki said.
“It’s in my jacket.” Pierre said.
“Which you did not take to the track today?” Yuki nodded at the jacket on the chair.
“Yyyyeah, I already got a call about that.” Pierre said, rubbing his face “I mean, I understand her, but I also … it is so much, you know.”
“Tony’s abduction was less than two weeks ago. I’m sure the Air tags will stay a while, but I’m also sure that Kika herself will relax a little with time.”
“Yeah” Pierre said.

The third training was calmer again, some detours, but no crashes.
Qualifying had some impeding, but no penalties were given out. Max would start from pole, followed by Lando, Ollie and Logan.
Max had not the best start, but he accelerated quickly and managed to hold the lead for eighteen laps before Lando overtook him. Liam and Esteban got a penalty for track limits, but other than that, the race was fair. Hard, but fair.

Lando won the race, in front of Max and Logan, followed by Ollie, George, Charles, Lewis, Yuki, Nico and Kevin.
Max flew together with Charles, Lando, Nico, Kimi, Kevin and Daniel back to Monaco.
“Awww, look, Jamie rolled over!” Lando exclaimed, showing the phone to Charles.
“Aw, he looks so proud!” Kimi added.
“Well, he managed first, he can be proud of it.” Lando said.
“Dear Jesus, how much people can change in a year.” Kevin said to Nico, who nodded.

George, Lance, Ollie, Lewis and Liam were flying to London together.
“Track Limits! I never got a penalty for track limits! It is such a stupid thing!” Liam complained about himself.
“Definitely” Lance agreed.
“You people, seriously.” Ollie said, leaning against Lewis’s shoulder.
“What? A couple of years ago, no one gave a shit about things like that. ‘You were out of the line, you got a five second penalty’ my ass.” Liam said and Lewis smiled “You think that is funny?”
“I think you are right. A couple of years ago, no one really cared. But that’s how it is. They introduced a new rule. But we also have DRS now, we did not have that when I started.”
“It is just so ugh, you know. I finally could have finished in the points again and boom, out.”
“Hey, you’re getting an upgrade soon, right? I’m sure you’ll get back into the points then.” Ollie said.
“Easy for you to say.” Liam said, but smiled a little.

“Alex was at the factory this week.” He dropped after a little silence.
“How did it go?” Lance asked.
“Well, he seemed happy to be there. They did some simulator work, I don’t know how it went, though.” Liam said.
“You think he’ll be back?” George asked and Liam shrugged.
“I don’t know. I’m sure it will depend on how he behaves to the team as well.”
“Does Kevin know that he was there?”
“Yes.” Liam said.
“What kind of contract does Kevin have?” Lewis asked.
“When he came back, he signed a contract for five races, so that would include Austria next week.”
“Hmm. That could get interesting.” Ollie said.

Results of the Barcelona GP (number behind the driver's name are the total points in the championship)

Race 10- Barcelona

1 - NOR222
2 - VER79
3 - SAR116
4 - BEA107
5 - RUS60
6 - LEC97
7 - HAM64
8 - TSU49
9 - HUL2
10 - MAG2
11 - ANT9
12 - GAS2
13 - RIC2
14 - STR62
15 - HAD0
16 - OCO119
17 - ALO1
18 - LAW1
19 - BOT0
20 - ZHO0

currently not racing:
ALB0 (benched)
MSC2 (medical leave)
POU1 (replaced George previously)

Chapter 35: The one with the big downfall

Summary:

Alex's boyfriend Sam is being questioned by the agents and Alex finds out things he'd rather not have known...

tw: depressing thoughts, relationship trauma, misuse of drugs, cheating/betrayal

“And you are absolutely sure about this?” James Vowles asked, standing in the hallway of the Interpol headquarter in London.
“Yes, absolutely.” Agent Carter said “We thought it might be good for Mr. Albon to have someone here he knows.”
“Yes, of course.”
“We talked to some psychologists and … we are expecting for him to need someone after he finds out. I would let you be in a separate room from him during the interrogation and see how … or if he needs someone after.”
“I will stay here.” James said and saw Alex and Sam coming towards the glass door in front of the interrogation rooms.
“Quick” Agent Carter said and they went into a room “There is some water if you want.” She said before leaving again.

“Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Albon” she greeted them both with a handshake and a smile “Thank you very much for taking the time, we really need your statements about the accident.”
“But we weren’t in an accident.” Alex said.
“Even better, Mr. Cavanaugh, if you would come with me, Mr. Albon, feel free to take a seat.” She said and went into the interrogation room with Sam, dropping her smile immediately.
“Now, what did you want to talk about?” Sam asked, sitting down on one of the chairs.
“We will wait for my colleague, then we will start.” She said and sat down at the opposite side of the table.

“Mr. Albon?” a woman said “I am Agent Walker, would you please come with me?”
“I’m actually supposed to wait for my boyfriend.” Alex said.
“I know, Mr. Albon, we can go in here and watch the interrogation.” Agent Walker said and opened another door, Alex cautiously following.
“Interrogation?” he asked “I thought it was about an accident?”
“Not really, that was a ruse to get you here. This is about what the cameras in your apartment discovered.”
“You think he really got in trouble with those people?” Alex got worried.
“Let’s just watch the interrogation for now.” She said and Alex stood next to her, seeing Sam and Agent Carter in the room, another male Agent just stepping in.

 

“Good morning, I am Agent Powell, did you already start?” he asked Agent Carter.
“No, I waited for you.” She said.
“Well then, do you want to have the honours?” he asked her.
“Happily” she said.
“Are you people sure you are Agents?” Sam asked.
“Yes” they said in synchrony.
“How is your relationship, Mr. Cavanaugh?” Agent Carter asked.
“What?”
“How is your relationship? Are you happy?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Are you sure?” Agent Powell asked.
“Yes, I am happy. We are happy.” Sam said.
“You are working in the medical field.” Powell said.
“I’m a physical therapist, so yes.”
“Are you working with a lot of drugs or things like that?”
“No. I am a chiropractor with extra training in rehabilitation and sports medicine. Drugs are actually something I am trying to avoid. Did you know that most head and back pains are actually the result of wrong sitting or standing positions? A reset of the spine and some physical therapy is often more permanently successful than a pill or an injection.”

“If you are trying to avoid drugs, how does it come that you have pretty much half of a pharmacy at home?” Carter asked, showing him some pictures “Especially hidden in a bag in the back of the closet?”
“It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” Sam said with a shrug.
“And for which kind of injury would you prescribe illegal steroids?” Powell asked, showing a close up of some pill boxes.
“Or hormone replacements that have been taken off the market by the FDA two years ago?” Carter asked, placing another picture, also not receiving an answer “Or is it possible, that you do not need this medication for a patient … but rather your oh so beloved boyfriend?” she asked, showing some pictures from the security camera, showing him crushing some pills and mixing them into food. Sam stayed silent. Alex breathing stopped and his ears started ringing a little.

“Hmm … did not really expect an answer to that, but it is still a disappointment. We just want to know why. What do you gain from it?” Powell asked.
“If your boyfriend loses his seat, you lose money, he loses his job, it makes him feel bad, what benefit do you have?” Carter asked. “Alright, we have enough to convict you for that anyway, that will give you a couple of years. But what I just don’t get is why you did all the rest?”
“All the rest? Once you start you can not just stop.” Sam said.
“But what does Mr. Albon have to do with it?” Powell asked.
“What?!”

“Really, what does he have to do with it? You raped and killed a young woman” she placed pictures of Carmen Mundt’s body on the table “bringing an innocent person to jail, planting evidence, killing Oscar Piastri’s father” she laid a picture with his body and the pool of blood on the table “you started a shooting in Miami, you planted a grenade in a FUCKING CHILDREN’S sandbox and almost killed her, abducted an innocent baby, all while preten-“
“WOWOWOW! Stop, no, you are not planting all that shit on me!” Sam yelled “These stupid rich ass people in Monaco rather get pills down their throats as a quick release, rather than going to a couple of therapy sessions and ACTUALLY getting better! I earn almost nothing there and everyone thinks I am doing some kind of voodoo shit! So yes, when someone offered me a fucking big wad of cash for the simple task of getting that dumb guy away from his friends and make him drive slow, I said yes. Even got some quite good fucks out of him, so why not?! But this shit?! No! I didn’t kill anyone and how should I have gotten a grenade, huh?!” Sam said loudly and only then realized everything he said.

“Alright, so you really never saw these pictures of the murders, but for the rest, yes, you will go to jail. A police officer will get you shortly.” Agent Powell said and gathered the pictures before leaving the room with Agent Carter. A police officer entered and ordered him to turn his face against the wall.

 

“Mr. Albon” Agent Walker said softly, touched Alex’s arm and he turned towards her slowly “Do you maybe want to get some fresh air.” Alex nodded a little shakily and they stepped into the hallway, seeing Sam stepping up to them. Sam stopped, even though the officer tried to pull him further.
Without thinking any longer, Alex planted his fist into his face and blood started flowing out of his nose.
“He broke my nose!” Sam complained to the officer.
“I didn’t see anything.” The officer said and pulled him down the hallway. Alex just sank down on the floor and pulled his legs against his body.

 

“Dear Lord Jesus.” James exclaimed after Sam’s rant. After the officer pulled him out of the interrogation, James left his room as well. He was just in time to see Alex punch Sam and then sink to the floor. He slowly stepped up to him and kneeled.
“Alex?” he asked “Do you want to go home?”
“He slept in my bed” Alex almost whimpered.
“That is not how I meant it. Do you want to come with me to Oxford? Rachel makes really good apple crumble.” James said and Alex nodded shakily. James quickly gave his address to Agent Carter and they got into his car, driving to Oxford.
“Hey bab- oh, a guest?” Rachel, James’ mate, asked.
“Yes, uhm … Alex can not stay at home at the moment.” James said.
“Alright, I will make some more pasta. Dinner in fifteen.” She said with a smile and left to the back.

“Come on, I will show you the guest room.” James said and showed him upstairs. “We have some new toothbrushes and things, we will take care of that later, alright?” James said and looked at Alex, who just sat down on the end of the bed “I am sorry, I keep thinking … if I would have been more observant, maybe I would have noticed something.” James said.
“I didn’t notice it and I lived with him.” Alex said.
“It … you’re not alone Alex, alright?” James said “You can stay here as long as you want. Maybe freshen up a little, I will meet you downstairs.” He said and left back downstairs.

“Is he alright?” Rachel asked him in the kitchen.
“No, but … I hope he will be.” James said and kissed her “I think he’s going to stay for a bit.”
“Alright, I am here and welcome home.” Rachel said and they heard a gurgle.
“Hey little pumpkin! How are you doing?” James asked the baby in the seat on the island.

They had dinner together, even though Alex did not eat much. James gave him some of his sweatpants and a t-shirt to sleep, as well as a spare toothbrush and toiletries.
“Good morning, did James already leave?” Alex asked the next morning.
“Yes, about half an hour ago. You want some bread rolls?” Rachel asked.
“Mhm” Alex said, nodding his head.
“Alright, choose from the fridge whatever you want on it.” She said while taking the rolls and a plate with cutlery to the table. “How did you sleep?” she asked when they sat down at the table together. She sat opposite to Alex, the baby in her lap.
“Okay” Alex said, nibbling on the bread “James told you, right?”
“A little.” Rachel said.
“I feel so stupid.” Alex said, starting to cry.
“We are all stupid when we are in love. And sometimes those people betray us or our trust.” Rachel said, sitting the baby in the baby swing and sitting down next to Alex. “I don’t … I don’t want to say I understand everything you feel, but … before I met James, I had a boyfriend who treated me like crap and cheated on me multiple times. I forgave him again and again because I thought I loved him. We are stupid when we are in love sometimes and … that makes us vulnerable … and if we get with the wrong person … they can use us easily.”
“I just … I never thought it would happen to me.” Alex said.
“Yeah, none of us do.” Rachel said. After he finished his breakfast he decided to get back to bed, staring at the wall.

“Hey Alex” James said, slowly entering the room.
“Oh, is it night already?” Alex asked.
“No, it is … Alex, I wanted to ask you something, because … they will ask me. I will fly to Austria in 2 hours and I would … tonight is the driver’s meeting and if you would agree, I would just say a couple of words to them. That you are here with us and that things with Sam ended because he drugged you and that that is the reason why … you acted how you acted. Nothing more. If you agree.”
“Okay, please do that.” Alex said and James nodded with an encouraging smile before leaving “James … please ask them not to call … I am not ready to talk about it, yet.”
“I will.” James said and left the driveway soon after.

 

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for letting me have a word.” James said to their FIA president at the beginning of the driver’s meeting “I know that a team principal is not actually part of a driver’s meeting, so I am going to keep this short. Nothing has gone public yet and … we are not sure how much or little will go public of this … uhm, alright. Alex is currently living with me and Rachel in Oxford. He moved in just yesterday after … the police found out that Sam actually manipulated and drugged him for the past months. The drugs he got influenced his performance, as well as his behaviour. Sam is currently in custody. Alex asked for you to please not contact him right now, he is … not in a good place at the moment and does not feel ready to talk about anything. We don’t really know how this will develop, but … this is where we are right now. Kevin will keep racing with us for the rest of the year … yeah, I thought that would be a good closure, but I probably should have said that at the beginning.” The room was silent for a bit “I will leave for now, if any of you have any questions, feel free to ask me, but … I am probably not going to answer many of your questions … uhm, yeah, goodbye for today.”
“Holy fucking shit” Yuki said.

“Are you alright?” Lance asked George when they laid in the little nest Lance had made them.
“I don’t know … I’m sorry.” George said.
“Why are you sorry?” Lance asked.
“Well … Alex is my ex … I don’t think that I should … it goes through my head.”
“What would be if you never broke up?”
“I’m sorry.”
“No. You’re being honest. And neither of us can know. But most likely … you would be with Alex.”
“Probably. I just … how can someone do that?”
“I don’t know.”

Chapter 36: The one where it rains penalties

Summary:

Some drivers are reacting to the news of Sam's arrest.
The Austria GP is happening.
Daniel and Nicole are getting mated.

“I really want to call him now.” Oscar said, wrapping his arms around himself.
“I get it, but he doesn’t want us to.” Lando said, looking at Oscar on his laptop.
“And I will respect that.” Oscar said and they heard a little gurgle “Oh, did someone hear daddy’s voice?” Oscar asked and leaned out of the frame.
“Hello Jacob. Did I wake you up?” Lando asked, smiling at the baby. Jacob smiled and waved his fist towards Lando before trying to eat it. “Have they been happy today?”
“Yes, they were. It really wondered us, there was so much going on here. The girls, Arti, the triplets, P, seven kids in one place, it is … a lot and the noise level goes through the roof without even trying. By the way, it felt way too crowded at Pascale’s, so we are now at the Stroll mansion, this thing is so fucking huge.” Oscar ended in a whisper.
“Yeah, I can imagine.” Lando laughed.
“There are enough bedrooms for ALL of us! Arti has his own room! Alright, Chloe and Julia share, P is with her nanny, me and the triplets and there is another room left!”
“Please don’t tell me you want to buy something like that!”
“Oh no, I don’t. We would need a full time cleaner and a gardener and stuff. Plus, our appartement was just finished, we will stay there.

“Are you nervous?” Daniel asked, them laying in the bed in their hotel room.
“Not really, not yet.” Nicole said “We will go through this weekend first.”
“How is your heat going?”
“I’m warming up, but I’m not there, yet.” Nicole calmed him “I’m really happy Julia decided to take Ricciardo as a surname. I know, we said everything would be alright and I meant it, but … I feel happy that we all will have the same surname.”
“I wouldn’t have minded, but yes … after the talk we had with her and Chloe I thought she would want a double name or something. What Chloe said really made her think, I guess.”
“Well, she was right. You help them, you take care of them, you worry. Chris did not really do that. He … did not help around the house or getting them ready, he didn’t cuddle. I think you are the first nice man they experience around them. Lando and Oscar are there of course, but they don’t live with us.”
“I can’t imagine doing that to the girls. To any child.” Daniel said after a little silence.
“Yeah, we had a very different life.”

“I was SO fucking mean to him. I punched him in the car in Japan! I was a really terrible friend.” Yuki said.
“Hey, none of us could have known. He behaved like that for months, gradually getting worse. We thought he would just change like that. I don’t think he will hold it against you.” Pierre said.
“I can only hope.”
“Don’t eat yourself up now, you can do that if he does hold it against you.”
“Who does something like that? Even for money … drugging someone, pretending to love them … in the end, he didn’t even risk just Alex’s life, he risked all of ours.” Yuki said.
“Yeah, I don’t know either.” Pierre agreed.

Max saw Charles sitting on the couch in their suite, staring into nothing. He sat down next to him, pulling him in his lap, holding him close and kissing his hair.
“I didn’t sense anything. I should … as an omega, right?” Charles asked and let out a pained wail.
“You weren’t that close to him. You only met Sam once, and that was less than twenty seconds. It is impossible to have known anything.” Max tried to calm him.

“Alright, let’s do this. A little bit of sun, but not overly warm, no rain predicted this weekend.”
“Yeah, and maybe we will get some points this year.”
“Yes, you guys drive safely, you had enough drama for the next 5 Austria GPs.” Andrea said, shaking his head with a little smile.
“Meaning, fast but safe, do not get into corners too fast and avoid gravel.” John Stafford, Ollie’s engineer said.
“Yes, sir!” Ollie saluted.
“What’s the strategy? Did you draw up a general plan, yet?” Zak asked.
“Really?” Kimi asked “There is a corner, then you go 300, corner, 300, corner, 300, copy paste for the race, but take care in turns 6 to 8, go a little slower there or you will get carried out.”
“Copy paste.” John said with a little smile “We’ll work out the pit strategy later, we’ve got to check the track first, they repaved corners 3 and 4, that could influence aero and tires big time. We’ll start with some fluo and the usual instruments.”
“Well then, let’s go, or does anyone have anything to say?” Andrea asked, but everyone was silent.
They had a slow start for the first training, doing long runs and concentrating on the tires. Second training they also had some faster stints, battling each other for the fastest lap constantly.
“Boys, behave, or I’ll spank you both.” Andrea said to Lando and Ollie via intercom during third practice, after they battled one another on the track during a fast lap.

Qualifying was a mess. It seemed like all of them were looking for trouble. Fourteen warnings for impeding. Twelve laps deleted due to track limits.
Esteban qualified on pole, followed by Logan, Max, Lando, George, Charles, Ollie, Lewis, Liam and a freshly returned Mick.

During the race, they really pushed the limits again. The reporters opinions and comments varied from ‘just hard racing’, ‘reckless’, ‘dangerous’, ‘crazy’, ‘on the limit’ to ‘insane’. It rained penalties, which switched around the positions like crazy. George seemed to try and break the record, getting 2 penalties for track limits, one for speeding in the pit lane, unsafe release and serving the penalty incorrectly, and another two for forcing other drivers off track. His first pit stop cost them twenty seconds just for penalties and then caused another thirty seconds by the pit lane speeding, penalty serving, and unsafe release penalty, followed by another 5 seconds in the third corner, forcing Bottas off the track. He finished three laps behind the winner. One and a half hours after the race he ended up disqualified, not reaching the weight minimum. All the streamers and influencers had a field day, forming a trending hashtag #badboygeorge.

Zhou, Nico, Lando, Esteban and Charles also got penalties for track limits, Max, Lance, Ollie and Kimi for forcing another driver off track, Fernando, Liam, Valtteri and Daniel for unsafe releases.
Nicole and Corinna Schumacher were shown in the garage multiple times during the race, their faces showing various stages of disbelief, confusion and hysterical laughter. Kika and Maya in the Alpine garage did not look much different.

“What are they doing today?!” Logan asked ten laps before the finish line.
“Don’t celebrate yet, you’ve got two strikes for track limits, behave!” Hugh told him.
“Copy” Logan said, now remembering that.
Logan won this race, Yuki and Pierre joining him on the podium. Kevin finished fourth, being flushed up by the other penalties, Max, Lewis, Kimi, Mick, Liam and Fernando getting the rest of the points.

“I BEAT THEM AAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!” Kimi screamed into the intercom, making everyone laugh.
“YEEEEAAAAAAAAH!” Mick yelled loudly after passing the finish line and the last penalties were added.
“Amazing come back, let’s keep this up!” Laurent Mekies said through the intercom.

 

“WHAT?!” Kimi let out “But … you can’t leave me alone!”
“I’m not going to leave you alone, Kimi, I’m just changing teams.” Nico said.
“But … who is going to get your seat?”
“I don’t know.”
“As long as it’s someone older than me. I don’t want to be the old one.” Kimi said, dropping onto the sofa.
“I don’t think it’s possible for you to be the old one, you’re still eighteen.”
“Do I have to move out?”
“What?”
“Well, if you’re driving for another team … would it be okay for me to live with you?” Kimi asked.
“You do know how many couples there are spread over the grid, right? They have to sign a lot more NDAs, but that’s it. I don’t think it will have to be different. Of course, if you want to move out, it is absolutely fine to do so.”
“I don’t know.”

 

“Oh wow.” Daniel let out on Sunday evening. They had to check out soon and then drive to the resort that Nicole chose for their mating. They had agreed to not style up over the top, but Nicole wanted to wear a new dress Daniel hadn’t seen yet. Cream coloured with little flowers, knee length “You look amazing!” he said, pulling her close and kissing her longingly.
“Hold on, we’ll have to go first, then you can do with me whatever you want.” She smiled, breaking their kiss a minute later.
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled and took their luggage. They checked out and took a taxi to the resort, not far away. They were able to check in a little early, having booked a little bungalow on the edge of the lake.
“Well, the picture did not show this many windows.” Nicole said, pulling the white curtains closed.

Two walls of the bedroom were completely glass, giving them a view over the big lake.
“It is a great view, though.” Daniel said.
“Yes, but we did not come here for the view.” Nicole said.
“I think the current view is really great.” He smiled at her.
“I think so, too.” She smiled back, stepping up to him and kissing him.
“Do you want to eat some dinner first?”
“If you stall this any longer, I’m going to give you a time penalty.” She smirked.
“Really? For what?”
“Mmh, driving too slow.” She said and he laughed “But do not worry, the penalty free unsafe release rule is still standing.” She added and they kissed again, Daniel pushing down her dress while she opened his white button down.

They were in the little nest she had built soon after, Daniel thrusting inside her while she had her legs wrapped around him, her hands on his back, pulling him closer while meeting his thrusts. She felt him moving back and forth faster and faster, his lips wandering over her jaw and to her neck, kissing her scent gland, letting a shock go through her body, moaning loudly. He felt her body move against his, pulling him close and nearing her orgasm, moaning out again. A minute later they were there and she craned her neck towards him while her orgasm washed over her, his teeth sinking into her scent gland, mating them, while letting himself come as well, feeling his knot inflate and lock them. He pulled his teeth back a minute later, seeing his mark on her, the one from her previous mating now a lot fainter. In a couple of weeks, only a very faint, few teeth marks will be seen from that. He looked at her, stroking her cheeks.

“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Absolutely” Nicole said and kissed him “We are mated.” She then giggled.
“Yes, we are … Mrs. Ricciardo.” He smiled and kissed her again. It took a couple of minutes until his knot deflated and he slid out of her, laying down and pulling her into his arms.
She was a lot clearer during her heat than he thought she would be. She had told him, and that she would be calmer. A heat was traditionally the natural omega craving a child, but Nicole already had three, and even though they wanted one together, she did not feel as much pressure, her body not being as desperate.

The team cut him some slack, only having to arrive for the driver’s conference on Thursday afternoon, Mick would take over the rest of the press that day.
They split at the airport, Daniel seeing Nicole going off to Nice before taking his own flight to Cranford, close to Silverstone.

 

Results of the Austria GP (number behind the driver's name are the total points in the championship)

Race 11: Austria
1 - SAR141
2 - TSU67
3 - GAS17
4 - MAG14
5 - VER89
6 - HAM72
7 - ANT15
8 - MSC6
9 - LAW3
10 - ALO2
11 - BOT0
12 - STR62
13 - NOR222
14 - OCO119
15 - BEA107
16 - RIC2
17 - HUL2
18 - ZHO0
19 - LEC97
DNF: RUS60

currently not racing:
ALB0 - paused, currently replaced by Kevin Magnussen
HAD0 - previously replaced Mick
POU1 - previously replaced George

Chapter 37: The one with Alex

Summary:

James Vowles is coming home and Alex has some news for him.

TW: talks about mental health, abuse, anorexia, thoughts about suicide and self harm

P.S.: I want to make clear that I'm in no way a medical professional and that this story is fiction. I'm not trying to give any kind of medical or psychological advice. Mental health is important for all of us. Treat yourself and others around you fairly and ask for help if you feel you need it.

James Vowles had arrived home on Monday before lunch, seeing Rachel in the living room, the door waking her from her nap.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.” James said.
“It’s alright, she’s going to be hungry in a bit, anyway.” Rachel said.
“How are things going?”
“I got some things from his London appartement on Friday. Interpol was here and asked him some more questions. He is very silent. Doesn’t eat much, but he didn’t … try anything, if that’s what you wanted to ask.”
“I thought about it, though.” Alex said from the stairs.
“I didn’t know you stood there, I’m sorry Alex.” Rachel said.
“Don’t be. He has every right to know, I live here.” Alex said, slowly walking towards them. He was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, the hood pulled deeply into his face “Which is actually something I want to talk to you about.”
“Alright, please, whenever you are ready.” James said and Alex sat down on an armchair opposite to them.

“I … I made a couple of calls. I’m not good … and I think it is better if I get some help. There is a clinic, not too far from here. They … have experience with relationship trauma and spousal abuse. They have psychologists and offer therapy and all that. I’m scared that … I will slip and … I don’t want to, not really … I think.”
“Can we drive you there?” Rachel asked.
“That would be great.” Alex said.
“When are we going?” James asked.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Alright, I will take the morning off and we will drive you there together. Alex … it takes a lot of strength to realize this and … to decide to take a step like this … we will support you through everything, alright.”
“Thank you.” Alex said with a little smile “I’m sorry, I’m going to lay back down now.”
“Of course, do you have something to drink upstairs?”
“I do.” Alex said and turned back on the stairs “How did the race go?”
“A lot of penalties all over the grid. We got 4th and 9th. No DNFs. George got disqualified.” James said.
“Good. Points are good. I’m sorry for George though. Can I … can I ask you to tell them again? I don’t want them to find out from the newspaper or something.”
“I will tell them.”
“Thank you” Alex said and went back upstairs while James pulled Rachel close to him. He had to leave to work soon after, notifying the office of him starting late the next day, for personal reasons.

The clinic was about an hour away, in an old, restored manor. There was a lot of outside space, surrounded by high hedges. They said goodbye after getting him signed in, remembering him of being able to call at any time.

Alex looked around his room. They had prepared him for this. The windows were able to only be opened half-way for fresh air, but not far enough to get out, for safety reasons. Single room, his own bath. They had checked his luggage, taken belts and his second pair of shoes with laces, as well as giving him the choice of pulling the strings out of the hoodies or taking some of the clinic’s hoodies, without strings. He decided on the ones from the clinic. The sheets were triple stitched at the edges, ripping them impossible. No scissors, no nail files, no pens in the private rooms. No phones, no internet. They had newspapers in the common rooms, as well as a library. He heard a knock on the open door and he turned around.

“Hey, I’m Tyler.” The young man said, taking a step into the room, immediately looking into the bathroom “I don’t want to intrude, but I need to make sure there is no one hiding.”
“No problem. I’m Alex.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m not a real fan, but my dad watches F1. I’m here to show you around if you want?”
“Sure” Alex said, closing his door when they left.
“No, leave it open during the day. Don’t worry, none of the cameras can look into the rooms, only the hallways and public areas, but they will open it anyway, at night, you can close it.”
“Alright, thanks. Why are you here?” Alex said and they went downstairs to the ground floor.
“Anorexia nervosa. You?”
“Psychological abuse.” Alex said and Tyler stared at him for a bit.

“Here’s the laundry room, just ask at the front desk if you need to change the sheets or something, they will open the room.” Tyler said, pointing at a door, next to it is the kitchen, the canteen, the food is really good, actually, but stay away from strawberry flavoured yogurt, it’s the worst artificial flavour ever. And the protein blueberry curds are vile. This is the library, common room, here is the fitness center, this is the work-out room. They do the yoga, pilates and stretching classes here. Opposite are the therapists and psychologists offices, names are on the doors.”
“You have sports groups here?” Alex asked.
“Yeah, here is the list” Tyler pointed at a board next to the work-out room “You can just sign in and then show up.” Alex already picked up the pen “Oh, wait with that until you have your therapy schedule, then you can plan around that.”
“Oh, sure, sounds smart.”

“Want to drink something?” Tyler asked and Alex nodded.
“Hey Mrs. Burns.” Tyler said when they entered the canteen, greeting the elderly beta behind the kitchen counter.
“Good morning, Tyler, oh and a new arrival?”
“Alex” Alex said and lifted his hand.
“I’m Mrs. Burns, I’m in charge of the kitchen. As Tyler would tell you in a minute; over there is a table with drinks and fruit, it’s free to take all day long. Food has to stay in here, you can take your cup wherever you want, just bring it back when you’re done.” She said with a smile.
“Thank you, Mrs. Burns.” Alex said.
“Here” Tyler said, handing him a cup with a little nametag, seeing Tyler sign his own name on another. He looked through the choices. Water, some juices, cold tea, hot water and teabags, as well as a coffee machine. He took some apple juice.

He got his schedule after lunch, chicken, potatoes and mixed vegetables, showing him he had two therapy sessions a day, after breakfast and before dinner. He went back to the list at the fitness room, signing for the yoga class after dinner, as well as a class called Xtra Strength Fit, they said they used some weights and he thought it couldn’t hurt to stay active.
Tyler had therapy after lunch and Alex wandered aimlessly through the common areas for a bit until he saw someone sitting at the chessboard, playing against themself, hood pulled over their head deeply.

“Hey, you up for a real player?” Alex asked and the person looked up, startling Alex. Neither one of them said anything for a bit.
“I am if you don’t talk about anything from the outside.” Claire Williams said.
“Deal” he said, sitting down opposite of her and they put the figures back into position. The were in their second game when someone stepped up to them.
“Alex, you are ten minutes past your therapy appointment.” The man said.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I was really invested … I will come right away.” He said to him.
“We’ll finish this another time.” Claire said and leaned back.
“See you later.” Alex said and followed the man into his office.

“Well then Alex, my name is Jordan, I am one of your therapists, so I will tell a little about me first. You already know my name, I’m a psychologist, specialised on psychological spousal abuse. Our therapy sessions will start with you telling me about yourself and then telling me about your relationship. You do not have to tell me everything today or even this week, I do not want to force you and you can say stop at any time. Are you ready to start?”

“Yes. I’m Alex, I am – I was a racing driver, I’m not sure what to call myself now.” Alex said and looked at his hands.
“That is alright.”
“I … my relationship … I had a boyfriend, Sam, … I met him last year, I was in physical therapy after a pretty big accident. I was already in a relationship and actually happy when we met, but … he had something, I’m not sure how to describe it and after a while, I broke up with my boyfriend and got together with Sam. It went quite quickly, we moved in together and I thought everything was going great. I wasn’t racing as good as I did before, but I thought it was the car or whatever this season. I just found out that Sam … he had mixed pills into my food and drugged me … it changed my behaviour. I turned aggressive and sometimes indifferent, I said it was everyone elses fault, but not mine that I didn’t perform well, I was a real asshole and … due to all of that I lost my seat. He also said he did it because somebody paid him for all of that … to make me drive bad and be an asshole to my friends … and that I’m … just some dumb guy and that I was quite a good fuck sometimes. My whole … everything I had left after … loosing my seat and my friends, it just broke everything. Yeah and now I’m here.”

“You came here with a couple, so you seem to have some friends left?”
“He is my boss. He leads the team I drove for. After I found out last week … he took me to his home, let me live with them. They were really good to me.”

“Why did you decide to come here?” Jordan asked and Alex looked out of the window for a bit.
“The first days were kind of … like a haze, or a dream or something. I just felt numb. On Sunday … I stood in the bathroom and held a package of razorblades in my hand. It … I looked at it and thought … why not? I have nothing left. But then I looked in the mirror, I don’t know why … And I thought that Sam took everything away from me … he’s not going to take myself from me as well … but I also knew that … I need help.”

“Thank you for telling me all of that, Alex. It was a very good decision and a hard one as well, to put those blades back down. But you made a decision. The decision to live. You want to live. You will not forget what happened. We will not be able to … delete that from your life or something, but we can work on finding ways on how to move on.”
“I just … I can not think about anything else. All I think about is how he betrayed me and then … I ask myself how I could change so much and not even realize what was happening all this time.”

“Well, if someone walks up to a person and it starts good, you build a connection and you start to build trust. If there is already a good foundation of that, it can take a really long time for someone to realize that they were manipulated or abused or influenced in any way. I’m sure you also didn’t change from one second to another, did you?”
“No, it … I think it started with me just being grumpy more and more and then … it piled up.”

“See, you saw the change last and that is very common. Why would you think that a person you trust and love would do things like that? It is not in our nature to think of something like that if we are trusting someone.”
“Okay. I still feel extremely stupid.”
“That is alright for now. Would you like to go back to play with Claire or maybe go to your room?”
“This was it?”
“Do you feel ready to talk about more?” Jordan asked and Alex was silent for a bit.

“I want to lay down, I feel … drained.” Alex said.
“Absolutely. There will be a bell ringing for dinner.” Jordan said and Alex left, walking slowly, dragging his feet.

“How did it go?” his colleague asked, appearing in the doorframe.
“Jesus Christ.” Was all Jordan said.

----------------------------------------------------------------
I promised to give a little update about the driver-team combinations and here they are:

McLaren: Lando Norris & Ollie Bearman
Redbull: Max Verstappen & Logan Sargeant
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell & Esteban Ocon
Aston Martin: Lance Stroll & Fernando Alonso
Alpine: Pierre Gasly & Yuki Tsunoda
Williams: Liam Lawson & Kevin Magnussen (Kevin is currently replacing Alex)
Racing Bulls: Daniel Ricciardo & Mick Schumacher
Andretti: Nico Hulkenberg & Kimi Antonelli
Kick Sauber: Valtteri Bottas & Zhou Guanyou

AAAANNNNDDDD: OH MY GOD!!! CHECO AND VAL AT CADILLAC?!??!?!?!?!?!?!!?!!! I love it!

Chapter 38: The one with the bar

Summary:

The SIlverstone GP is here and a couple of people DNF and visit a bar...

tw: driving under influence, aggressive/dangerous driving, car crash, hospitalization

“Silverstone!” Egle sang.
“Yaaaaay!” Noemi added, waving her Andretti stuffie.
“Yaaaay!” Kimi agreed.
“YAAAAAAY!” Noemi yelled louder.
“YAAAAAAAAAAY!” Kimi yelled even louder.
“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!” Noemi screeched on top of her lungs.
“YAAAAA-“ Kimi started.
“STOP! I like my ears.” Nico interrupted them from the front passenger seat and they were silent. Kimi looked at Noemi and pulled a face, wiggling his head in mocking. Noemi giggled.
“Kimi! Stop teaching her bad behaviour.” Egle said from the driver’s seat.
“Uuuuh, Kimi in trouble.” Noemi said.
“Little Lady!” Egle said firmly and they entered the parking lot, the car now silent.

“Hello everyone, thank you for letting me talk again. Alex asked me to give a little update to you. He decided to check himself into a clinic for a … right now unknown length of time. He went there on Tuesday, and … yes, I think we will hear something when we hear something. He wants to work on himself before contacting anyone else, he … just does not feel ready to face anyone, yet. Uhm, yeah, I will go again, see you guys tomorrow.” James said and then left the driver’s meeting.

The training sessions were mostly uneventful. A couple of cars on the gravel and Charles turned around his car in the first corner, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Qualifying was a little confusing, impeding being the biggest problem.
Lewis started from pole, followed by Max, Lando, Charles, Ollie, Esteban, George, Lance, Fernando and Mick.

The start the next day was to Lando’s favour, making his way past Max and Lewis before the first corner. He was almost at turn 2 when he saw the dust and dirt from the gravel being thrown around behind them.
“Everything alright back there?” he asked.
“Red Flag, red flag, slow down.” Kimi said and Lando saw the red flag being waved.
“What happened?”
“Collision, Ollie, Stroll, Antonelli and Ricciardo out.”
“Damn” Lando let out and drove his car back into the pit lane.
“Sooooo … drinks anyone?” Kimi tried to joke.
“Not yet. I have to be grumpy for a couple of minutes and then talk to the press. There’s a hidden bar a couple of miles from here though?” Lance said.
“I’m in if I don’t have to drive.” Ollie said.
“Alright, I’ll drive if I don’t have to pay.” Daniel said.
“Gotcha” Kimi said.
They met an hour later, Daniel driving them to the bar. It was located in a basement in Potterspury, looking like from the medieval time period more than modern.

The race continued after just over an hour of clean up, ending after another yellow flag due to a blown tire, with Lando taking the win, followed by Max, Lewis, Esteban, Logan, George, Charles, Mick, Fernando and Liam.
Daniel stayed with fruit cocktail while the others had some beer.
They were back in the car three hours later, Kimi and Ollie a little giggly in the back seat, Lance seeming to be more of a calm drunk.
“What the hell is his problem?” Daniel asked nobody in particular, watching the car behind them speed up and driver up to them way too close “Just overtake if you want to, you nuthead.” Daniel grumbled. The car behind them kept driving up almost to their bumper before falling back a little, repeating it multiple times. A traffic light came up and they stayed left, Daniel turning on the indicator.
“Oh, I thought he would just run the light.” Kimi said.
“Me too.” Lance agreed. The light turned green and they started driving again, staying just under the speed limit. “Where did he go?”
“Maybe he didn’t turn after all.” Ollie said, just before a massive hit got them. The car from earlier crashed into their right taillight, flipping them over twice and making the airbags go off.

Lawrence was walking through the paddock with Fernando when his phone rang.
“Hello?” he asked and listened for a bit before looking around “And where are they now?” he asked, quickly walking towards the next hospitality, McLaren “We are on our way. You should know something … my son is an omega. Thank you, we will be there as soon as possible.” He hung up, a confused Fernando following him into the hospitality. “MR. BEARMAN!” Lawrence yelled loudly, scaring a couple of people and a man walked up to them.

“I apologize, I forgot your first name.”
“David” he said.
“Hi David, sorry for the yelling” he then stepped closer “Our sons were in a car accident and are at the hospital, we’ll drive there.”
“I’ll join” David said, quickly turning around to Andrea “I’ll call you in a bit.” He then hurried after Lawrence and Fernando towards the Andretti hospitality, where they met Nico and Egle, who would follow them in their own car while calling Kimi’s parents. Fernando drove their car while David called Andrea and then his mate, and Lawrence called Nicole. They arrived in Milton Keynes University Hospital not long after.

“Excuse me, we are here for a car accident? Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Kimi Antonelli and Daniel Ricciardo?” Lawrence asked at the desk.
“Do you have some ID?” the nurse asked and they pulled out their IDs “Thank you. We just want to make sure.”
“As you should.” Lawrence said.
“What exactly happened?” David asked.
“As much as we know, they were driving down the A5 to Plumpton End when a car hit them from behind and flipped their car. Mr. Antonelli was able to dial emergency services.”
“How are they?” Nico asked.
“That depends, but it would be better if the doctors tell you about that.” She said and led them through some doors.

“Good evening, I’m Dr. Peters.”
“Good evening. I’m Lawrence Stroll, Lance is my son, David Bearman, Oliver’s father and Nico and Egle Hülkenberg, Kimi lives with them. Daniel’s mate is currently not in the country, but she is informed.”
“Alright then, they were in an accident together with another car and flipped a couple of times. Thankfully Mr. Antonelli was conscious enough and managed to call emergency services, there is not much traffic there. They are pretty shaken up, understandably. Mr. Antonelli has some abrasions and some cuts from the window’s glass, so does Mr. Bearman, he has a slight concussion as well, but they are overall fine. Mr. Stroll had some shards cutting him and he lost quite a bit of blood, they are still assessing him for other injuries.”

“What about Daniel?”
“Mr. Ricciardo is currently in surgery. When the car rolled over … the drivers side seemed to have struck a tree stump, his injuries are more severe than the other ones.” Dr. Peters said.
“How severe?” Nico asked.
“I am hesitant to answer that question until someone gives an update from the surgery, I was not involved in his admission.”
“Alright, thank you. Can we see them now?” David asked.
“Of course.” Dr. Peters said and they followed him through another door.

“NICO! Look! Green jelly!” Kimi said loudly, stretching out his tongue, sitting on a bed.
“Hey! They kind of misjudged his dose of ‘happy-go-lucky-potion’.” Ollie said while someone stitched a wound on his temple. He also sat on a bed. “They won’t tell us what’s going on with Lance and Daniel.”
“Lance is still having some tests done, he’s quite scratched up, the doctor said. Daniel is in surgery.”
“Daniel is in surgery?” Kimi asked.
“Yes, his side apparently hit a tree stump while flipping.” Fernando said just before George, Lando and Lewis stormed into the room. Lewis ran towards Ollie, just stopping himself from throwing himself onto the bed and hugging him.

“Hey baby” Lewis said.
“Hey, are you good?” Ollie asked.
“Am I good?” Lewis asked.
“LEWIS! They have green jelly!” Kimi yelled again, stretching out his tongue. Lewis raised an eyebrow.
“He seemed to have a little too much happy potion, huh?” Lance asked, being wheeled into the room in a wheel chair.
“Lance, are you good?” Lawrence asked.
“He lost some blood, he will have to stay until the IV ran through.” The nurse that wheeled him in said.
“Hey, how are you doing?” George asked, hugging him in the wheel chair.
“I’m good.” Lance said.
“It was really helpful that you told us about the blood. Giving him an alpha transfer really would have made things worse.” The nurse said before leaving the room.

“What?” Lando asked after a little silence.
“Yeah … well … now it’s coming out. I’m not an alpha … I’m an omega.” Lance said and George squeezed his hands.
“You’re … what?” Ollie asked confused.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Lewis asked.
“I … Everyone thought I’m just there because my dad is rich … I didn’t want anyone to think that that is the only way an omega can get into F1 as well.” Lance said.
“Does Charles know?” Nico asked.
“Yes. After our parents started dating, I told him. But … I don’t want to trade. I’m happy to let him be the first omega. I just want to race.”
“Alright … that means this stays between us.” Lewis said and they nodded, although Lando stepped up to Lance.
“I – I’m sorry, but I will have to tell Oscar, he can read me like a book.”
“That’s alright. He’s your mate.”
“Thank you for … understanding that.” Lando said.
“Is anyone here for Mr. Ricciardo?” a doctor said, walking into the room.
“Well … I’m his stepson’s mate? If that counts?” Lando said and followed him.
“What did they say about Daniel?” Lance asked.
“Not much. Only that he is in surgery.” George said.

In the next half hour, more of the racers arrived, as well as the PR people from McLaren, Andretti, Aston Martin and RB. Lando came back to them soon after, just hanging up his phone.
“Well … right now …. Uhm … Daniel is still in surgery, he has a couple of broken ribs as well as bones in his leg … they are operating, and apparently they can not say more right now. Nicole is on her way here. Yeah, that’s it for now.”
“Damn” George let slip out.
Nicole rushed into the room a couple hours later, followed by Max, who had picked her up from the airport.
“Lando!” she said, startling some of them, who were drifting in and out of sleep. Lando got up and hugged her, pulling her into the hallway towards the ORs.
The doctor walked up to them half an hour later, the surgery now being done.

 

Even though it was not really in this chapter, here the results of the SIlverstone GP:
1 - NOR247
2 - VER107
3 - HAM87
4 - OCO131
5 - SAR151
6 - RUS68
7 - LEC103
8 - MSC10
9 - ALO4
10 - LAW4
11 - TSU67
12 - GAS17
13 - HUL2
14 - MAG14
15 - ZHO0
16 - BOT0
DNF - BEA107
DNF - STR62
DNF - ANT15
DNF - RIC2

Chapter 39: The one with the supposed-to-be champion

Summary:

Daniel is having multiple operations.
Nicole and the girls are visiting.
Kimi is getting help for his 'booboo'.

tw: medical procedure (not in detail), major operation, possible loss of limbs

“Hey guys!” Lando said, walking back into the room where the others were waiting. “Long story short, surgery is over. They had to operate on his leg and his ribs. His ribs got some screws and things to stay in place, his leg … his thigh and lower leg were broken multiple times, as was the ankle … it will take time, they said.” He told them shortly, and everyone nodded in silence.

Daniel woke up in an unfamiliar room. He felt some weight on his arm. He looked down, seeing Nicole laying half on the bed, her head on their interlocked hands. He pulled the mask off his face with his free hand and looked further down. Lando and Max sat on two chairs against the wall, Lando’s head on Max’s shoulder, Max’s then falling on top, but he wasn’t really able to make fun of that, his eyes, spotting his leg. He almost jumped up, waking them all.
“Shshshsh” Nicole made “Stay down, stay down.”

“What the fuck!” Daniel let out, still staring at his leg, wrapped in thick bandages from top to bottom, his lower leg and ankle having metal spikes coming out, screwed together to a medical skeleton.
“Shshsh, everything will be alright.” Nicole tried to calm him “You had an accident, do you remember?” she asked softly.
“What? I – we went to a pub and then home.”
“Yes, and on your way back you had an accident.”
“Where are the others?” Daniel looked around.
“They are alright. Everyone is fine.”
“Well, I’m not fine!” Daniel said, almost crying.
“I know. But you will be.” Nicole said.
“Just look at that? What even?”
“They said the bones were broken multiple times and that they need to stabilize them.”
“Oh God!” Daniel let out, pushing his fists into his eyes.
“It is good to see you awake, Danny. We will … leave you alone for a bit, alright?” Max said and got up, together with Lando.
“I will call Oscar and the girls.” Lando said.

“He broke his leg?” Chloe asked during breakfast.
“Yes, he broke his leg a couple of times, as well as his ribs.”
“He can still race, right?” Chloe asked.
“Well … we will have to see. That is not a no, alright?”
“Soooo … not now?”
“Not right now, yes, that’s a good explanation.” Oscar said. Come on ladies, I will bring you to school. Will you put the bowls into the dishwasher?”
“Yes” Chloe and Julia said and Oscar took the triplets, setting them in their carriage before they made their way outside and towards the school and daycare. He went to the shops after, stocking up on a couple of things.

“You know … we are focussing so much on the dangers of your racing, we … totally loose the sense that … normal things are also dangerous. You’re just driving home, and then some dude comes up and crashes into you.” Kika said.
“It kind of reminds you that normal situations can cause just as much damage.” Pierre said, hugging her. “Growing a little bump there, huh?”
“Well, not really, not yet, but soon there will be one.”

“Booboo!” Laura said, pointing at the band aid Kimi had on his chin.
“Just a little booboo.” Kimi said.
“Ohoh!” Laura said and ran away and into the house.
“Okay” Kimi said confused, toeing off his shoes and walking after her into the living room “Hi, I’m here to pick up Noemi.”
“Mama! Kimi booboo!” Laura said, pointing at Kimi.
“Yes, he got a little booboo yesterday.” Louise said and Laura started pulling Kimi to the sofa, where Louise sat. Kimi slumped down, looking confused when Laura started to sing something he didn’t understand. “Come on, I don’t think she’ll stop otherwise.” Louise said and pulled Kimi down to lay on the sofa, his head in her lap “It is a Danish song to make little children feel better when they have a booboo.” She explained and started stroking his hair while singing the song and it actually was calming.

They arrived back home half an hour later.
“You were gone long.” Nico said.
“Yes. Laura saw I had a booboo and her and Louise sang me a song to get better.” Kimi said.
“They did what?”
“Laura saw I had a booboo and then her and her mother made me lay down on the sofa and sang me a Danish ‘be better soon’ song. They are really nice, you know, not like team mates … they only break your nose.” Kimi said with a smirk and Nico rolled his eyes.
“Dinner in ten.” Nico yelled after him and up the stairs.

“Okay, okay, okay, do you feel comfortable?” Nicole asked on Wednesday.
“As comfortable as I can, I guess.” Daniel said. They were on Max’s plane together with Lando, Max and a nurse. The sofa in the back of the plane had been prepared for Daniel to get back to Monaco.
“Ready for take off.” They heard soon after and they sat down, buckling up. They arrived in Monaco and an ambulance was already waiting for them and brought them to the hospital, where Oscar, Chloe and Julia stood in front of his new room with balloons.

“Oh wow, thank you.” Daniel said and they tied the balloons to the side table “Thank you all for coming!”
“We brought flowers, but the nurse said they are not allowed! They are unijannig.” Chloe said, climbing onto Daniel’s bed, who looked quizzically at Oscar.
“Unhygienic” Oscar said.
“Oh, well, that is okay, I will have some flowers at home, alright?” Daniel said to Chloe.
“They were really pretty.” Chloe said, sounding a little sad.
“I’m sure they were.” Daniel said, pulling Chloe closer and hugging her. “We have to tell you something, too.”
“I will be outside with Lando, see you in a bit.” Oscar said and left the room, closing the door softly.
“What?” Julia asked.
“Why don’t you come here?” Nicole said and pulled up a chair, sitting down and pulling her into her lap.
“It is bad.” Julia said.
“What is bad?” Chloe asked.
“Well, you see … you know that my leg is broken and that it is really bad. The doctors found out that my foot … kind of got sick and that it will not get better. I will have another surgery tomorrow and they will … they will … they will cut it off, so the rest of me does not get sick.”

“But can you not take a pill?” Chloe asked.
“No, not this time.”
“Where will it go?”
“What do you mean?”
“The foot? Where will it go?”
“Well … the hospital will keep it.”
“Can you not take it home?” Chloe asked.
“No, that … we can not do that.” Nicole said while Julia just stared at Chloe.
“And when will you drive again? We are supposed to go to Monza! Will you be there?”
“Chloe, I might visit some races, but … I will not be racing in a car anymore.”
“But why not?”
“Because … to be a racer like that … I need both feet. But soon, I will only have one, so … I can not race anymore.” Daniel said, trying to hold himself together.

“But … you are a racer.” Chloe said silently.
“I was a racer, yes. But now things will change a little and … it will be weird at first and different, but I’m sure it will also be good.” Daniel said, stroking Chloe’s back.
“That’s not fair.” Chloe said after some silence and threw herself on Daniel’s chest.
“Well, life is not always fair.” Daniel said.
“You were supposed to be champion!” Chloe muffled into his chest.
“Well, I am a Grand Prix winner, that is also an achievement.” Daniel said.
Oscar and Lando took the girls home an hour later, Nicole staying with him for now.
“They are gone now.” Nicole said and laid down next to Daniel on the bed. A couple seconds later she heard the first sob.

Lando started the recording. “Hey guys, a little update. Daniel was flown to Monaco today, the news picked it up already. Something that has to stay between us for now is … he got a bad diagnosis, the doctors found some kind of bacteria in his foot and they have to amputate it. We all know what that means of course. The surgery is tomorrow morning, he does not feel ready for visitors or something right now, but he promised to send an update into the group later this week. I know these are not the news any of us wanted to hear but, that’s how it is. I hope you all still have a nice night and we’ll see each other soon!” Lando ended and quickly sent it into the chat, without overthinking it too much.

Daniel woke up a couple hours after the surgery the next day, Nicole sitting next to him.
“Hey” she said, pushing his hair off his forehead.
“Hey” he said, his voice a little raspy “It is really gone?”
“Yes, it is.” Nicole said with a shaky smile.
“I’m sorry, this was supposed to be a happy time, newly mated and all of that.”
“Hey, no. NO! Do not dare to do stuff like that. None of this is your fault. Accidents happen and we can never plan them.” Nicole said and kissed him.

Notes:

I'm sorry for writing this.

I wrote this chapter after RB kicked Danny out after Singapore. I didn't want him to just 'vanish' or get kicked out, as it wouldn't fit this story.
I know this is extreme, but it was my way of dealing with Danny being kicked out of F1.

Chapter 40: The one with the new old home

Summary:

Daniel is coming back home.

tw: jokes about amputation/loss of limbs

“Further to the left. She always sleeps on the left.” Lando said and Max and him pushed the bed around. As soon as they knew what would happen, Lando talked to Nicole and they decided to make the little room downstairs bigger to accommodate Nicole and Daniel’s bedroom. He would use a wheelchair for a while and crutches, only later followed by a prosthetic, it will need time to be able to walk stairs without an issue.
The builders took a part off the living area and used the space under the stairs as a closet. The bathroom doors on the ground floor were also widened and they hung a floor length mirror.
Pierre and Yuki were fitting in the new doorframe for the bathroom.

Nico’s portable work bench still stood on the driveway, Kevin and Nico being in the back, fitting the wooden ramp to the porch, while Esteban, Fernando, Ollie and Lewis had broken down the three front steps, repaving them as a ramp.
Lance, Logan, Kimi and Charles were walking up and down the stairs, moving everything to the new bedroom.
George and Mick were walking around as well, rolling up the thick carpet from the living room against the wall, they would not be able to store it anywhere else.
The smaller carpet in front of the entrance was exchanged to a flatter one, the bathmat was put away and the fourth chair from the kitchen and dining table were taken away. George had a tape measure and checked the kitchen, a wheelchair should fit around there.
They made their way through the cabinets and without destroying much of Nicole’s order, they managed to squeeze a little of everything into a drawer Daniel could reach. Cutlery, bowls, cups, his mug, plates, a little pot, tea bags, pepper and salt, an extra towel, things you could need quickly. They also pulled the coffeemaker and the kettle closer to the edge of the counter.

Kevin and Nico just loaded the last tools back into Nico’s van, when Sebastian drove onto the driveway, waving at them.
“What is going on?” Daniel asked.
“Your friends wanted to help.” Nicole said, kissing him.
“Oh no, what did they do?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“The last time they ‘surprised’ me, they misread an advertisement and I got a drag show. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun, but it was not what they planned for ‘Danny’s 33 – double the number, double the party’ thing they had told me about.”
“They wanted to get you a strip show?”
“No, a poker experience. Apparently, they thought they would rent the room and there would be a bar and a poker table and music and food and all of that.” Daniel said and Nicole couldn’t hide her chuckle.
“It really was a fun night.” Sebastian agreed “I’ll get your stuff from the back.” He said and got out, taking the wheelchair from the back and then helping Daniel into it. Daniel insisted on moving himself forwards and only then he saw they had changed the stairs.
“Oh wow. Thanks guys.” Daniel said while going up the ramp.
“Thank us when you agree with everything.” Lando said with his smirk.

Daniel got into the house and immediately saw the changed wall, now being pulled towards the entrance, closing under the stairs. Their kitchen was to the left, it looked like always. To the right was the rest of the foyer, the wall now holding two horizontal, wooden bars, looking almost like the ones you see in dance studios. “What is that for?”
“Training. When you switch to prosthetics, to help you walk.” Nicole explained and he nodded. They went further and he immediately saw the missing rug in the living room, rolled up against the wall. Temporary. He was then startled by an open door to his left. The little room that Alex had already stayed in last year was now much bigger, Nicole’s former work area now gone, her desk standing on the other side of the living room.

“Oh no, you didn’t.” Daniel said and rolled over to the room, seeing their bed inside, their nightstands, the book he had started laying on top, the alarm, as always, on ‘his side’ of the bed and nest. Nicole’s book and the picture of the triplets on her nightstand. The space under the stairs was turned into a wardrobe. He also saw that the space next to the bed on his side was much wider than Nicole’s, giving him the chance to move there with the chair. Even the painting from upstairs now hung on the wall here.
He made his way back to the front room and to the kitchen. The bigger drawer under the coffee machine had a post-it ‘Danny’s stuff’. He opened it and saw his favorite mug and an assortment of dishes, cutlery and glassware.
“Oh no, something is missing!” Nicole exclaimed and went over to the guys that stood in the doorframe. “Where is that sink water extension thingy?”
“Oh shoot.” Kimi said and took his backpack, rummaging through the contents.
“Well, whoever wants cake goes to the living room.” Nicole said.
“I will just finish this quickly.” Kimi said and went to the kitchen while the others went to the living room, Lando taking some plates and forks while Nicole got the cake from the fridge.
“You need some help?” Logan asked.
“Do you have any idea how this is supposed to work?” Kimi asked, holding the packaging for the extender to Logan.
“Let’s see” Logan said “Apparently it is silicone and you just need to slide it over the handle.”

They heard a yelp from the kitchen.
“Everything alright?” Esteban asked.
“Always!” Logan yelled back.
“You’re scared they are going to break something?” Lando asked.
“I wouldn’t be too sure, Logan is not the … it is better if he does not repair stuff.”
“Oh great, that means we left dumb and dumber in the kitchen alone?” Nico asked.
“Kimi can’t be that bad, he’s a good kid!” Daniel said.
“He knows how to load and unload dishwashers and how to wash clothes, but the other day he pushed a knife in the toaster to get some crumbs out and the week before he discovered a fax machine and learned that ‘using all the warm water’ is a real thing.” Nico said with a wide smile.
“Not to forget, the hot charcuterie board.” Kevin laughed, Nico fist bumping him.
“I still can’t believe you ate that.” Nico added.
“What is a hot charcuterie board?” Max asked and Nico pulled out his phone, showing them the picture Kevin had sent him.
“Eew, what is that?” Yuki asked.
“A ‘hot charcuterie board’ as he said. Kimi saw this amazing recipe on tiktok. Two kinds of cheese, cucumber, grapes, celery, tomatoes, sausage and crackers, heated up together in a pan.”
“Oh, Kimi, no!” Ollie slipped and a little crash and spraying water was heard from the kitchen.
“NICO!” Kimi yelled.
“ESTIE!” Logan screamed at the same time and the two men jumped up, racing into the kitchen.

Thankfully, they had not broken off the original handle, only twisted it off in a weird way. After shutting off the water, Nico took one quick look at the packaging and then slid the silicone extender over the handle.
“Now that was a hard task.” He then said sarcastically to Logan and Kimi.
“Haha” Logan said drily.
“The extender thing for the sink is on now. No thanks to them.” Nico said, walking back into the living room and nodding at Kimi and Logan.
“Did something break?” Nicole asked.
“No, not permanently.” Logan said and sat down next to Max on the floor, getting handed some cake.
“We tried. We did what we could. That counts!” Kimi said, sitting down near the tv and also getting some cake.
“How old are you, three?” Fernando asked and Sebastian pushed his elbow into his ribs.
“I’m closer to the perfect racers age than you.” Kimi said, taking a bite with a wide smile.
“That’s not an achievement! Everyone is closer to the perfect racing age than me!” Fernando said, also smiling.
“I’d say I’m a little further, but that’s not an age thing.” Daniel said, finishing his cake “Not funny, yet?”
“We will need some more time, yes. It’s different if you are making a joke about it or if we do.” Max said.
“You can’t come up with a single joke?” Daniel asked.
“Arti wants a pirate party for his birthday. Any chance we can hire you?” Charles asked and Lando almost spit out his cake.
“Sadly, I don’t schedule that far ahead at the moment.” Daniel said and Pierre let out a chuckle “That was not a real joke, actually. There’ll be a lot of rehab and all kinds of appointments, so I’m kind of on hold at the moment. But I’d love to be a pirate. Thank you all of you, really. The visits the last days, taking care of my family, doing the house, it’s … thank you.”
“Always, bud.” Nico said.
“Just tell us if you need anything.” Lance said.
“Will do.” Daniel promised.

“I really didn’t think it would fit this well.” Nicole said, getting into the nest.
“Well, you do have less space than me.” Daniel said, steering his wheelchair backwards towards the nightstand.
“You need the space, I do not. When Lando came to me with this idea I really didn’t think it would work this well.” Nicole admitted.
“This was Lando’s idea?”
“Pretty much. We were thinking on how to … organize everything and it didn’t seem right to me to let you sleep alone down here. Sure, it is smaller than our usual bedroom, but it is not planned as a lifetime bedroom anyway. We can turn it into an office or a guest room or something when we move back upstairs.” Nicole said and watched Daniel push himself from the wheelchair into the nest. She waited until he laid down, then settled herself into his arms.
“You’re really strong.” Daniel said and kissed her hair.
“Don’t think wrongly. I did cry.”
“That is normal.” Daniel said and they fell asleep soon after.

“My arms are killing me.” He exclaimed when he came back the next morning, having brought Chloe to daycare “I never realised how high the street goes.” He chugged almost a whole bottle of water.
“Building some more muscles, huh?” Nicole asked, turning around from her desk.
“A little. I thought I was fit? I blame the hospital.” He panted and Nicole laughed before turning back around, picking up the ringing phone. Daniel checked their mail on the table, most of it being for the garbage. He went back to the kitchen and saw the laundry basket next to the stairs. He filled the laundry and then stood around some more before rolling over to the wooden bars in the foyer. He pulled the brakes and got ready to slowly lift himself up from the chair, balancing on his left leg. He took a couple of breaths. Standing up was harder than he expected. If you just lift one foot up, the weight is still there. Now his balance was different. His weight different. He looked down at his stump. Ending about ten centimetres under his knee. The better way. That’s what the doctors said. He kept his knee, he was able to bend his leg. Better for prosthetics they said.

His parents would arrive tomorrow. They had planned to all meet in Budapest, but now they will spend their time here in Monaco. The others travelled to Hungary for the race this weekend. He would stay home. Maybe watch it on tv. Maybe. He felt arms wrapping around him from his side. Nicole.
“Hey, don’t you have to work?” he asked.
“I’m done for the day. I’m only part-time, remember?”
“Yeah, still.” Daniel said.
“Well … you have also been standing here for a bit.”
“Oh … I guess I zoned out a little.” Daniel said and looked on his watch “I’ll have to go and get Chloe.”
“Sure. I’ll get the lunch started.”
“Take your time, I planned a little extra time.” Daniel said, kissing her before sitting back down in his wheelchair and making his way out of the house soon after.

He made Chloe hang her back pack to the back of the chair when they left the daycare.
“Are you excited for school, yet?” Daniel asked “Just a couple more weeks!”
“Yes, I am. And there will be sports class! They train!” Chloe said, skipping over some paving stones.
“They train? It’s mostly playing catch or soccer or things.” Daniel said.
“Really? But Lando said training is important! And concentrate!” Chloe said.
“Lando? What does Lando know about school? And why training?”
“Lando said in his video that you need to train a lot to be strong. And concentrate, or you hit the wall.”
“Are you scared you’re going to run into a wall at school?” Daniel asked confused and Chloe stopped skipping, looking at him weirdly.
“Why would I run into a wall at school?”
“I just … it sounded like you were talking about that?”
“NO!”

“I’m confused.”
“You can’t win the championship, so I will do it for you.” Chloe said and shrugged.
“The championship?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, F1!” Chloe said, continuing to skip over the pavement.
“You have never even went karting.” Daniel said.
“Oh, I was, but don’t tell mom.”
“When did you go karting?”
“Lawrence took all of us for your birthday. It was really fun, but I was slower than Arti.”
“Well, Arti has been training how to race for a while.”
“Yeah. Lawrence said he can take us both, but only if mom says it’s okay and I can not lie about that.”
“Did you ask your mom, yet?”
“No. It … there were so many other things.”
“Yeah … maybe wait a little bit longer? Just a week? To let things settle at home?”
“Okay”
“Thank you, Chloe. You know, you don’t have to do that, right?”
“Yes, I want to.” Chloe said and skipped up the driveway.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of The perfect match universe